Celtic manager vows to spare fringe players from 'death sentence'

The Northern Irishman, who is a lifelong supporter of the Glasgow giants, appreciates that telling players they have to move on, either on loan or permanently, could be devastating for them. 

However, the former Swansea City, Liverpool and Leicester City manager also appreciates from personal experience that being completely clear with his charges about their prospects of being involved is far fairer to them than not making a call at all. 

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BRENDAN Rodgers has stressed he will not shy away from making difficult decisions about the future of Celtic players who are not featuring at Parkhead and stated that staying silent would be a "death sentence" and "inhumane".

Rodgers admitted back in October that the Scottish champions' squad was "a lot bigger than I would want" and revealed that several players who are not getting regular game time would be going out during the January transfer window.

The Northern Irishman, who is a lifelong supporter of the Glasgow giants, appreciates that telling players they have to move on, either on loan or permanently, could be devastating for them. 

However, the former Swansea City, Liverpool and Leicester City manager also appreciates from personal experience that being completely clear with his charges about their prospects of being involved is far fairer to them than not making a call at all. 

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"I care for players, but I care for people more," he said. "Sentiment doesn't come into it. You are paid to make decisions, to lead and observe and to make decisions from that observation. You can't be sentimental.

"These conversations happen throughout the season. Some players wanted to move in the summer and I said, 'Let's give it a chance'. Let's see how they enjoy the work and get the game time. This is where I think you can improve so let's assess it.

"Coming into January, if you feel it's not right and you want to go, we can look at it then. It's an ongoing conversation as silence for a player is a death sentence.

"I have had experiences outside of football where you mind plays mental gymnastics and you think, 'What's happening?' When you hear nothing, the brain starts talking.

"I'd rather take all the away and give stability and clarity to a player. I'd say, 'This is where we are at, if it doesn't work out you can move on'. But I will always respect them. That is a value I hold dearest of all.

"Wherever you sit in the hierarchy, you will always be offered respect. Train hard and work hard, and let's see where it takes us."

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Rodgers added: "It is something that is difficult but it's part of this job as a manager. You have to do it. But you are better being honest and telling people.

"It's especially difficult because you know when you are telling someone it changes the conditions in their life, and not necessarily for the better. They might never have that opportunity again, but I would rather say it than be inhumane and bluff someone for six months.

"You are better telling them as they will have families and having moved all over Britain, I know how hard and challenging it is. Sometimes it can be for the greater good for the player as the family might not have settled or the schools might not be right.

"To tell them can actually help them. But it's something that is a difficult conversation, but you are better being honest.”

"I care for players, but I care for people more," he said. "Sentiment doesn't come into it. You are paid to make decisions, to lead and observe and to make decisions from that observation. You can't be sentimental.

"These conversations happen throughout the season. Some players wanted to move in the summer and I said, 'Let's give it a chance'. Let's see how they enjoy the work and get the game time. This is where I think you can improve so let's assess it.

"Coming into January, if you feel it's not right and you want to go, we can look at it then. It's an ongoing conversation as silence for a player is a death sentence.

"I have had experiences outside of football where you mind plays mental gymnastics and you think, 'What's happening?' When you hear nothing, the brain starts talking.

"I'd rather take all the away and give stability and clarity to a player. I'd say, 'This is where we are at, if it doesn't work out you can move on'. But I will always respect them. That is a value I hold dearest of all.

"Wherever you sit in the hierarchy, you will always be offered respect. Train hard and work hard, and let's see where it takes us."

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Rodgers added: "It is something that is difficult but it's part of this job as a manager. You have to do it. But you are better being honest and telling people.

"It's especially difficult because you know when you are telling someone it changes the conditions in their life, and not necessarily for the better. They might never have that opportunity again, but I would rather say it than be inhumane and bluff someone for six months.

"You are better telling them as they will have families and having moved all over Britain, I know how hard and challenging it is. Sometimes it can be for the greater good for the player as the family might not have settled or the schools might not be right.

"To tell them can actually help them. But it's something that is a difficult conversation, but you are better being honest.”