Rodgers rejects King ‘cards’ claim
BRENDAN RODGERS has dismissed Dave King’s accusation that Celtic’s dependence on Champions League football makes their financial model resemble a ‘pack of cards’. Speaking as he announced a new share issue on Monday, the Rangers chairman claimed Celtic’s finances were similar to those of his club a decade ago due to the ongoing requirement of top-level European football. King stated Rangers would only have to win one title to send Celtic into a tailspin as
they would be starved of riches from the UEFA table to which they have grown accustomed. But Rodgers believes those remarks lack foundation, citing the fact that Celtic still performed well financially in years when they did not reach the group stage of the Champions League. ‘Celtic are not going to win the league every year,’ said Rodgers. ‘There are no guarantees that Celtic will get through four rounds of qualification. But there is a strategy here — one for the Champions League and one for the Europa League. ‘The money that is generated from the last few years puts the club on a wonderful footing and allows us to grow on and off the pitch — and that’s my only concern. ‘I’m a football guy. The business strategy is for Peter (Lawwell) and Dermot (Desmond) to talk about. What I do know is that the club is in a really healthy position from these last few seasons. ‘You see the fans in a good moment, the development around the ground. We always look to improve because it’s what you do on the field that counts. ‘Naturally, that goes back to the strategy. ‘We want to be there but if not then there is another strategy. The club’s plan for today and tomorrow is very healthy and it’s constantly evolving and improving.’ At his unveiling last week, new Ibrox boss Steven Gerrard claimed he would have to put Rangers’ house in order before concerning himself with Celtic. Asked if King would also be better paying attention to his own club, Rodgers replied: ‘I don’t worry about what goes on over the garden fence. You look after your own house. We are defined and measured by ourselves. Not by anyone else. That’s the most sensible way.’ Rodgers also responded to Craig Levein’s accusation that he had been ‘bleating’ about the length of the Tynecastle grass after Celtic’s 3-1 win there last Sunday. The Hearts boss was unapologetic about the surface yesterday but Rodgers feels the issue goes beyond one home team seeking to gain an advantage. ‘We have a duty to the public to play the best we possibly can,’ he said. ‘I don’t think anyone wants to see a game in long grass that is really dry. If it is good for some teams, then good luck to them. ‘But in years to come the young Scottish guys will be getting criticised for not being able to pass a ball and play football and why can’t they play like the Europeans? ‘Are we giving them every chance to do that? Maybe I shouldn’t care. Maybe I should just worry about Celtic.’
Levein had also leapt to the defence of Steven Naismith (far right), claiming there was nothing in his challenge on Scott Brown, which angered the visiting camp. Naismith may well face retrospective action from the SFA, however, with Rodgers saying: ‘I am surprised because Steven Naismith is a very good player and he has played at a level. ‘I know he is competitive and in my time down south I saw quite a bit of him. So I was surprised at the type of challenge he made because it was more than late, but we’ll see what action will be taken.’ Brown is fit to face Kilmarnock tonight, with Kieran Tierney also in contention after being kept out of the Hearts game with a calf issue. Leigh Griffiths misses out, though, as he recovers from a bout of tonsillitis, while a Craig Gordon knee injury means Scott Bain will start in goal. Rodgers also confirmed Odsonne Edouard’s season is almost certainly over but that negotiations to land him on a permanent deal from Paris Saint-Germain are well underway. ‘He’s struggling to play again this season,’ he said. ‘We hoped it was maybe a cramp but it’s looking worse than that, so it’s highly unlikely he’ll feature again. ‘His contract is pretty clear. Peter Lawwell has met with PSG and talks are ongoing. I’m hoping we can come to an agreement. ‘I know the boy is happy and PSG have enjoyed watching him develop here. It would be great if we could get this one done. He’s still here for his treatment and, you never know, he might make a miraculous recovery for the (Scottish Cup) final.’