Brendan Rodgers met the Celtic squad this week as they returned for pre-season training; Celtic kick off their title defence at home to Ross County on August 5, live on Sky Sports
Thursday 6 July 2023 16:25, UK
Celtic goalkeeper Joe Hart revealed "exceptional" Brendan Rodgers has told the players how he aims to build on last season's treble success as he also paid tribute to departing boss Ange Postecoglou.
The squad have returned for pre-season training as they look to defend their domestic clean sweep and make an impact in the Champions League.
Rodgers is used to success at Celtic having won two Scottish Premiership titles, two Scottish Cups and three Scottish League Cups during his first spell in charge.
Hart came up against the former Liverpool manager during his time at Manchester City and admits he is relishing the chance to play under him.
"We've only been together a couple of days now. He's an exceptional guy. I've had run-ins with him in the past as an opponent and I actually bumped into him a few times on holiday. He's a lovely person, first and foremost, which is very important," he said.
"A very successful manager, huge drive and he's laid it on the line. He stood here and told us how proud he was of what we did last year, but that was last year and we now need to build on it and try and improve and push each other."
The new manager has already signed Odin Thiago Holm and Marco Tilio while Jota has sealed a £25m move to Saudi club Al-Ittihad and Aaron Mooy has retired from the game.
Hart said the Northern Irishman's message was clear on day one.
"He's super positive, you can tell he absolutely loves the club. If he was to take his managerial hat off, he's a Celtic fan but he's made it very clear he's able to separate business and pleasure.
"We're here for business, we're here to work, to be successful, push each other and try and get the best out of each other. He wants the young guys and the older guys to help. Very clear messages, I'm looking forward to working with him."
The former England goalkeeper was one of Ange Postecoglou's first Celtic signings in August 2021 and he paid tribute to the Australian after his decision to take over at Tottenham.
"We shared two really special years together. With success, people are interested in what you're going to be doing next. Ange had a decision to make and he made it," added the former Spurs keeper.
"We absolutely loved working under him, I really enjoyed my time personally.
"I really got on with him as a person and I wish him all the best. Football's got this magical way of moving, and next we got the news that Brendan's coming in and we've got a new focus and a new task."
Hart also lavished praise on Kyogo Furuhashi as he described his delight about the Japan striker's decision to extend his time at Celtic.
The 28-year-old attacker has scored 54 goals in 83 games since signing from Vissel Kobe in 2021 to become a huge fans' favourite at Parkhead and is now tied to the treble winners until 2027 after signing a new four-year deal earlier in the week.
"It's huge, what a great bit of news that is," he said as he promoted James Forrest's testimonial match against LaLiga side Athletic Bilbao next month.
"I love him as a person, he's a beautiful person and he's an exceptional footballer.
"He has been brilliant since he came in and really shone for us last year in big moments and he really sets the tone for a high-pressing, exciting football team.
"He's loved here. And obviously he's felt that because he's wanted to commit a real important time in his career to this club and we appreciate that.
"I think the statement of the club is that if you want to be here and you're playing well then you're welcome. And if you don't, then we'll look for someone who does."
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