Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has explained why he subbed off Alex Valle at halftime in the Hoops’ statement victory over closest title challengers Aberdeen at Pittodrie last night.
It was no simple triumph for the Bhoys, with the conditions more than playing a part in what proved to be a closely fought encounter.
It took a moment of quality for the visitors to break the deadlock: Greg Taylor, who came on as a halftime sub in place of Valle, found Reo Hatate in behind the Dons’ backline with a sublime chipped pass. The Japanese midfielder took it down adeptly and finished into the bottom-left corner.
Reo Hatate Celtic
4th December 2024; Pittodrie Stadium, Aberdeen, Scotland; Scottish Premiership Football, Aberdeen versus Celtic; Reo Hatate of Celtic celebrates after the match
The Bhoys held out for the win despite some late pressure from the hosts. Celtic now sit seven points clear of Aberdeen at the top of the Scottish Premiership, with a game in hand.
Post-match, Rodgers explained his halftime change: “He was on a booking and we just needed it to be a little cleaner through because of how they were pressing,” said the boss (The Celtic Way).
“We wanted Greg’s quality on the inside to come out. Alex was on a booking and he was playing more on the outside because he’s dynamic.
“He wants to run, but our space was on the inside. So it was more tactical than an injury. He’s fine.”
Taylor’s quality off the bench shone through, with the 27-year-old coming on to set up the eventual winner.
It was the left-back’s fifth assist of the season and 26th in total during his almost five-and-a-half years with Celtic.
His contract situation remains uncertain, but Rodgers has always been coherent in his desire to keep Taylor around. If he doesn’t renew, he will be free to speak to clubs from January onwards about a pre-contract agreement. Let’s see how the next few weeks unfold.
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