A former Celtics defender queries Brendan Rodgers’ ability to handle the Liel Abada situation.
Former Celtic defender Charlie Mulgrew has raised concerns about Brendan Rodgers’ ability to address the Liel Abada situation. The young forward was absent from the St Mirren victory due to personal reasons, with the manager acknowledging his emotional state amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
During an interview with Clyde 1 Superscoreboard, Mulgrew questioned whether Rodgers could resolve the issue and help Abada regain focus. Mulgrew emphasized the need for the player to assess his mental state and determine if Rodgers could bring out his best performance, establish a connection with fans, and overcome the challenges.
While Gordon Dalziel expressed confidence in Rodgers’ exceptional man-management skills, Mulgrew suggested that the manager should carefully consider whether he can achieve this. Mulgrew indicated that a decision should be made in the coming weeks or months, preferably before the summer, and if Rodgers cannot help Abada, it might be best for all parties involved if the player moves on.
Amid media speculation about Abada’s difficulties and the possibility of a loan move, Mulgrew acknowledged the accurate representation of the turmoil surrounding the player. Abada, who played a significant role in the Ange Postecoglou era, faced setbacks due to injury and the conflict in Gaza, leading to increased attention.
Despite returning to the field against Rangers, Abada has not celebrated with the fans post-match, indicating possible struggles in coping with the fanbase expressing support for Palestine. In his 112 appearances, Abada has contributed 29 goals and 22 assists, making him a key player for Celtic in recent seasons.
