Celtic's manager Brendan Rodgers recently opened up about the challenges faced during the January transfer window, describing it as "not ideal" for the club. Despite the hurdles, Rodgers remains optimistic about the team's future and is focused on maximizing their potential for the remainder of the season.

Key Transfers and Challenges

On the final day of the transfer window, Celtic secured a notable signing, bringing in Jeffrey Schlupp from Crystal Palace while also re-signing winger Jota from Rennes. However, the departure of forward Kyogo Furuhashi, a legendary striker who had scored 85 goals in 165 appearances, left a significant gap in the squad. Rodgers acknowledged this loss, stating, "I said it myself, we wanted another striker, so we're not hiding behind anything."

Striker Dilemma

With Kyogo's exit, young striker Adam Idah has stepped up impressively, netting three goals in just two games after a lengthy dry spell. The return of Johnny Kenny from a loan spell and the versatile Daizen Maeda, who has experience playing centrally, adds depth to the squad despite Maeda's suspension for the upcoming Champions League playoff against Bayern Munich.

Rodgers maintained a positive outlook, emphasizing that blaming individuals would not help the team's cause. "I think as a collective, it wasn't ideal how it ended for us. We have to, as a club now, go away and look at that," he noted, signaling a desire for club improvement.

Eyeing the Future

Despite the challenges, the focus is now on executing a successful finish to the season. Looking forward, it's clear that finding a key striker will be paramount for Celtic in the summer transfer window. The pursuit of a solid number nine is expected to be a top priority, with a clear strategy in mind that prioritizes making informed decisions rather than hasty ones.

Conclusion

As the Scottish Premiership leaders prepare for their next match against Dundee, Rodgers is committed to honing the potential of his current squad and finding effective strategies to fill the void left by Kyogo's departure. The collective efforts will be crucial as they strive for success in both the league and European competitions.