Rodgers issues stark Celtic reminder over 'domination' poser
But Rodgers was quick to insist his side didn't seize a treble last season as he set out his demand to improve in the 2025/26 campaign.
[[Celtic]] lifted the Scottish Premiership title and the League Cup trophy last season but lost on penalties to Aberdeen in the Scottish Cup final at Hampden.
Despite a trophy-laden spell for Celtic in recent years, Rodgers voiced his confidence that his side would improve this season both in domestic and European action.
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"As a football club, we aim to improve every single season," said Rodgers when quizzed on domination in Scottish football.
"We didn't dominate last year, we won two out of three trophies.
"But also being in Europe and making sure we are competitive and challenging at that level is very important for us, consistently not just one season.
"We believe we can be even better this season on the domestic front and also we can take those experiences that we have had over these last couple of seasons into Europe where we aim to perform very, very well.
"Celtic is a huge club. You can never stand still. It moves at a really, really fast speed and you need to move with it and that is all abotu improving, all about developing.
"And for me as a coach it is developing players to be the best they can be and hopefully then we see that in the team format."
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Daily Mirror
15 minutes ago
- Daily Mirror
Transfer news LIVE: Viktor Gyokeres medical details, Alexander Isak blow, Man Utd masterplan
Premier League clubs have splashed the cash in the summer transfer window - and they're showing no signs of stopping. Viktor Gyokeres is finally on his way to Arsenal from Sporting Lisbon after a saga that has dragged on all summer. The 27-year-old striker will undergo his medical with the Gunners on Saturday after a deal was struck for a £55.1m (€63.5m) guaranteed fee, plus £8.7m (€10m) in add-ons. But, while Gyokeres will get his dream move, Alexander Isak faces a tough task in leaving Newcastle. Isak dropped the bombshell that he wants to leave on Thursday but whether clubs will be able to afford a £125m deal remains to be seen. And Manchester United could be busy too, with it emerging on Friday night that Ruben Amorim has drawn up a three-striker wishlist in his bid to further improve the club's attack. Aston Villa star Ollie Watkins is among the target. For all that - and much more - follow the Mirror Football live blog below. 07:51Matt Maltby Good morning Welcome to Mirror Football's live blog on this lovely Saturday. It's expected to be a busy one, with VIktor Gyokeres expected to complete his move to Arsenal this weekend. He's due to have his medical today. We'll keep you updated with any developments, as well as other sagas including Alexander Isak and what happens next with the wantaway Newcastle star... 22:32Samuel Meade Goodnight That's all from us - we'll be back tomorrow with all the latest from the transfer world. 21:57Samuel Meade Dortmund eye surprise Brighton deal Borussia Dortmund want to sign Facundo Buonanotte from Brighton, according to Sky Germany. The playmaker spent last season on loan at Leicester as they were relegated from the Premier League, but he struggled to make an impact. The German side, however, are thought to have made contact with the Seagulls over a potential deal. 21:14Samuel Meade Amorim wanted 'experienced' at Man Utd Ruben Amorim admitted that Man Utd needed experience as they ready for the new Premier League season. The Red Devils have added Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo to their squad this summer with Amorim happy with the business they've done. "We need experience,' he said. 'Matheus [Cunha] is young but with experience. You watch every weekend, Matheus doing things against players you are going to face, which can help you when you choose players. "That was a policy that we tried to use this season, so I can say yes. It's not just that, they have characteristics that we need but focus on players that can face the pressure." 20:46Samuel Meade European clubs keen on Sterling Bayer Leverkusen, Juventus and Napoli are among the clubs weighing up the situation regarding Raheem Sterling at Chelsea. Sterling is expected to leave the Blues this summer given he is not part of head coach Enzo Maresca's plans. The 30-year-old spent last season on loan at Arsenal, but only scored one goal in 28 appearances, and may have to move abroad for the first time in his career. 20:19Samuel Meade Hope for some of Man Utd's unwanted players Ruben Amorim left four players out of his Man United touring squad – Alejandro Garnacho, Jadon Sancho, Antony and Tyrrell Malacia – after they all expressed a desire to leave. While United want to offload them Amorim said they will not allow them to be sold on the cheap. 'There are different reasons for the players [left behind],' he said. 'Some players have to find a new place to have more space in the team and other players clearly show they want a new challenge and want new teams. We are just allowing these players to have time to think and to decide. If we reach a point where they have to join the team, they will join the team because they are our players." 19:51Samuel Meade Wrexham's recruitment policy Wrexham boss Phil Parkinson has a golden rule when signing new players which echoes the approach taken by Arsenal's Mikel Arteta. However, club director Shaun Harvey has now shone a light on the extensive homework Parkinson does before bringing in new recruits. Similar to the strict non-negotiables Arteta has set out in relation to players' personalities at Arsenal, Wrexham have a firm "no d*******s" policy. He said: "It's been couched around Wrexham as Phil's d******* test. Is he going to fit in, or is he going to upset the dressing room culture? The dressing room culture plays such a big part in the success of any team so background checks will be done. Some will be good, some will be bad." 19:26Samuel Meade Some updates from Amorim Ruben Amorim has maintained if he starts to the season this his current squad he would "be happy" and told the Manchester United hierarchy "to be careful" before the sign any more players this summer. The Portuguese boss has only seen two new faces arrive in recent months - Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo. United have been expected to sign more than two new arrivals, yet Amorim maintains he is happy with what he's got. He said during the club's pre-season tour: "In the moment we need to be careful when we sign a player. If I start the season with this squad I will be happy." Eriksen impressed by Wrexham Wrexham have made a shock attempt to sign Christian Eriksen on a free transfer - and the player himself is impressed with the set-up at the Championship outfit. The Dane is a free agent and his representative Martin Schoots told The Daily Mail: 'Wrexham are really upgrading everything both on and off the field, and it is a hugely impressive project, as you can see from the presence of people like [CEO] Michael Williamson there. 'But Christian still wants to play in a first-tier competition and he absolutely wants to stay in Western Europe. There are some contacts going on but it has to suit both sides.' Newcastle's striker shortlist Newcastle are considering a move for Wolves forward Jorgen Strand Larsen as they weigh up players who could replace Alexander Isak if he does leave. The Express and Star reports that the Norwegian, who scored 14 Premier League goals last year, is on the Magpies radar. They are yet to make contact with Wolves though with Yoane Wissa or Benjamin Sesko also being considered. 17:04Samuel Meade Luiz pushing for Juve exit Douglas Luiz is pushing for a Juventus exit and has failed to turn up for the start of pre-season training with a move back to England on the cards. Gazzetta dello Sport claims that the former Aston Villa midfielder's relationship with Juventus has broken down and as a result Man Utd, West Ham and Everton are among the clubs keen on offering him a chance to return to the Premier League. 16:41Felix Keith Man Utd's striker options Manchester United missed out on Liam Delap, Hugo Ekitike and Viktor Gyokeres this summer as they looked for a striker. They have been told that Ollie Watkins isn't for sale at Aston Villa. So who is? Paris Saint-Germain are desperate to sell Randal Kolo Muani, but Juventus would appear to be in the box seat there, having had him on loan previously. RB Leipzig, meanwhile, have dropped their price for Benjamin Sesko, who has an influential fan at United in the form of scouting chief Christopher Vivell. Bayern to seriously test Liverpool resolve Bayern Munich are expected to majorly up their offer for Luis Diaz after seeing their opening offer rejected by Liverpool. The Colombian himself is open to leave Anfield and it has been reported that the German giants will table an offer of £70m including add-ons. 15:25Samuel Meade How Slot convinced Ekitike New Liverpool star Hugo Ekitike has revealed how a "very good discussion" with Arne Slot convinced him to move to Anfield after a huge amount of interest in his signature this summer. With the deal rubber-stamped, Ekitike has been giving his first interview and explained how Arne Slot's persuasive tactics helped seal the move, praising the Dutchman as a "really good coach and person". "We had a very good first discussion together," he told the club's official website. "Obviously the coach is very human so we could talk not only about football [but] about everything." 14:37Press Association Viktor Gyokeres could be 'hours away' from Arsenal move Mikel Arteta is still refusing to confirm whether Viktor Gyökeres is set to become Arsenal's latest signing but admits early integration during pre-season is a key part of his transfer strategy. The Gunners boss was speaking after new defender Christhian Mosquera trained with the squad for the first time on their Asia tour in Singapore. Asked if a new striker signing would be treated the same way, Arteta said: 'Yes for sure. Once we have finalised everything with a player we want to integrate him with the team as quickly as possible.' He added: 'I think immediately is better so they can start to join the team, get to know each other and get the ideas we want to put in their minds.' Pressed on Gyökeres, Arteta said: 'You know I cannot talk about a player who is not ours yet. Whatever happens in the next few hours I'm sure the club will make a statement about it.' On selecting forwards, he explained: 'It is about impact and performance... Once someone is in the right moment and pushing the door full of confidence, for sure the manager is not going to stop them playing.' He also confirmed Gabriel has only a minor injury and that Jurrien Timber is close to returning. Arteta praised Gabriel Martinelli's consistency and said he is 'very happy' with the Brazilian's contribution. 14:02Mark Jones Bayern Munich resume talks over Luis Diaz transfer Liverpool have been busy bringing in players this summer, but Luis Diaz remains one of their most likely departures. The Colombian was the subject of a £58.5m bid from Bayern Munich earlier in the window, which the Reds rejected outright, but now the German giants have returned to the table to resume talks. It remains to be seen whether Liverpool will sanction the departure of Diaz, 28, who has two years left on his contract and won't be offered a new deal at Anfield. The Reds are seeking to raise funds for their move for the Newcastle forward Alexander Isak. 13:17Felix Keith Viktor Gyokeres to wear No.14 at Arsenal Viktor Gyokeres will be stepping into the shoes of Thierry Henry when he completes his Arsenal transfer. After weeks of negotiations, Sporting Lisbon and Arsenal have finally agreed a deal over the striker, who will undergo a medical on Saturday. Gyokeres is joining the Gunners for £55million plus £8.7m in add-ons, having agreed a five-year deal with Mikel Arteta 's side. He will become the centre-forward the team has craved during their three successive second-place finishes in the Premier League. It has been 12 days since the two clubs struck an agreement over the top line transfer figure, but talks have continued over the structure of the deal. Finally, everything is in place and Gyokeres has already picked his shirt number. The 27-year-old is used to talisman status, having worn the No.9 shirt and scored 54 goals in 52 games for Sporting last season as they won the domestic double. And he certainly doesn't appear worried about the expectations on his shoulders in north London having selected the No.14 shirt at his new club. More here. 12:57Felix Keith DONE DEAL: Beck signs new Liverpool contract Owen Beck has signed a new contract with Liverpool before joining Derby on loan for the season. The 22-year-old left-back has played three times for the Liverpool first team, but will get more experience with the Rams in 2025/26, having spent last season in the Championship with Blackburn. 12:32Felix Keith Shaw ready to quit Man Utd Luke Shaw is reportedly considering his options and is ready to leave Manchester United in an effort to revive his career. United have signed Diego Leon this summer as competition at left-back, where Patrick Dorgu in the first-choice. Ruben Amorim has played Shaw at centre-back and is not pushing him out of the door. But Shaw has interest from Saudi Arabia and, despite having two years left on his £150,000-a-week deal, is considering leaving. Details of Man City's deal for Trafford The Athletic says that Manchester City are paying £27million to sign James Trafford from Burnley. They matched Newcastle's offer and the 22-year-old chose to return to City. Ederson has been courted by Galatasaray, but will stay put. Stefan Ortega, however, will be allowed to leave. 11:56KEY EVENT Gyokeres paperwork nearly there The saga that looked like it would never end will, in fact, end soon. Mirror Football's Ryan Taylor reports that Viktor Gyokeres will have his medical tomorrow after Sporting and Arsenal came to an agreement over the finer points. Paperwork was exchanged on Tuesday and the lawyers are working hard to get everything in order. 11:36Scott Trotter Sterling's transfer options Raheem Sterling has been offered two new escape routes as he looks to secure a move away from Chelsea this summer. Fulham and Serie A champions Napoli could now find themselves among the candidates for his signature amid previously reported interest from Juventus and Bayer Leverkusen. Man City agree Trafford deal Manchester City are poised to sign James Trafford, according to Fabrizio Romano. Trafford left City in 2023 in pursuit of regular football at Burnley, who paid £19million for his services. He's now returning to City, who have agreed for deal for under his £40m buy-back clause. It comes as Ederson heads for Galatasaray, and amid rumours that Stefan Ortega could also depart. 10:50KEY EVENT Simons to Chelsea latest Xavi Simons' entourage have travelled to RB Leipzig's pre-season training camp as they look to push through the Dutchman's switch to Chelsea, writes Ryan Taylor. The Blues have identified the 22-year-old attacking midfielder as a primary target and are looking to exploit their strong relations with his agent Ali Barat to get the exciting acquisition over the line. Chelsea are mindful that both Bayern Munich and Arsenal have also shown interest in Simons, however, there is confidence they already have the approval of the player after presenting their project. Newcastle team-mates speak out on Isak Alexander Isak's team-mates are away in Singapore on a pre-season tour without their star striker, who has dropped a bombshell by saying he wants to leave. "Everyone's entitled to their own opinion," defender Dan Burn told The Daily Mail. "But I think we can just control what we can control. That's a question for Alex to answer. He's obviously a big player for us, but we do have a lot of quality in the squad as well. Bringing Anthony [Elanga] in as well, which I think was a great signing." Captain Bruno Guimaraes added: "I'm really close to him. He's a good guy. He's been through some rough things at this moment. My focus is with the lads. Isak is something I cannot control. The club has control of it. I hope he's going to be fit when we come back to Newcastle to prepare for the new season. "They told us he was there in Newcastle because of his injury. Of course he's a top player for us and he's going to be a miss on this trip. We need him ready as soon as possible." How Liverpool can afford Isak Liverpool have signed seven players this summer, spending £265million, which could reach £300m with performance-related add-ons. So how can they possibly afford to sign Alexander Isak, for over £120m in the age of profit and sustainability rules? Mirror Football's Alan Smith has written a helpful explainer. ICYMI - Mosquera signs for Arsenal Cristhian Mosquera became the latest player to join Arsenal yesterday. The young defender completed his £13million move from Valencia and will wear the No.3 shirt for the Gunners after signing a five-year contract. 'He is a young player with exciting talent and enormous potential, who will fit well into our squad as we continue to prepare for next season," Mikel Arteta said. "Cristhian adds good quality to our squad, and we look forward to working with him and making him feel at home with us." Van Dijk drops transfer hint Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk has hinted that the club aren't done spending this summer. 'This season, we all start from scratch. I think everyone has tried to improve their teams – and we as well, I think we've done great additions to the team so far," he said. 'Let's see what happens for the rest of the transfer window." 08:31Felix Keith Sesko asking price reduced RB Leipzig have reduced their asking price for Benjamin Sesko in a boost for Manchester United. Earlier in the summer, Arsenal were put off by the German side demanding a fee between £68m and £85m. But now it has been suggested that €70m (£60m) would be enough to secure his services. United were beaten to the signing of Liam Delap by Chelsea, to Hugo Ekitike by Liverpool and to Viktor Gyokeres by Arsenal. But their head of scouting Christopher Vivell has been to watch Sesko personally and is pushing for a deal to happen. Gyokeres set for Arsenal medical Viktor Gyokeres is expected to fly into London today to tie up his protracted transfer from Sporting Lisbon to Arsenal. The deal has taken weeks and weeks of painstaking negotiations, but the Swedish striker should complete his medical today before flying out to join his new team-mates on their pre-season tour.
The National
21 minutes ago
- The National
SWPL upheaval gives Hibs chance to do what other champions couldn't
Fewer still would expect them to go and successfully defend it. Which will all be fuel for Grant Scott's pre-season team talk, of course. No-one has successfully claimed back-to-back titles across recent seasons. Malky Thomson delivered a title to Rangers four years ago before Glasgow City nicked it back off them the following year. Then it was Celtic's turn and now Hibs. It does, of course, point to genuine competition within the top flight but would also indicate a different kind of pressure when it comes to winning a league and then playing with a target on your back. None of which will be news to the vastly experienced Scott or Joelle Murray in at Hibs. They have tweaked and added to their squad and will be tested to the max from the off this term as they juggle the duel demands of Champions League football and domestic action. It was a weight that proved utterly debilitating to Celtic last term as they competed on a duel front. But the most significant aspect this summer has been the languid manner in which the likes of Celtic and Rangers have gone about the business of building a team capable of challenging for the title. There is yet to be a replacement introduced for Jo Potter – and with the new season just 22 days away that looks increasingly concerning. Add to the mix that Rangers, who have lost out on a domestic treble twice with final day heartbreaks – have also lost a clutch of established first-team players this summer and the work of any new manager walking into the building is obvious. Rio Hardy is set for a switch to Bristol City which will take the exit tally to six. On the other side of the city, Celtic have added former Claire Walsh this week to a squad that has lost ten first-team players since the end of the season. Elena Sadiku was in Switzerland on commentary duties so missed the start of pre-season. But such were the paucity of numbers as the club regrouped earlier this month that even organising bounce games proved to be problematic. The club were also slow to open up season ticket renewals for the women's team. [[Celtic]] finished fourth last season and failed to collect any silverware. There was a mid-season flit from home games in Airdrie to a poorer surface in Hamilton, with the Lanarkshire base now hosting [[Celtic]] and newly promoted Accies in the top flight this term. Season tickets, an exceptionally tough sell in the women's game, have been 'frozen' at £130 for an adult and £20 for a child. But with the league restructure this season meaning a 10-team top flight, this actually amounts to the same price for fewer games. Last season, too, an early bird offer also reduced the cost. Prices are cheap as chips compared to tickets for the men's team but fans have been increasingly disillusioned at the direction of travel this summer. If anyone needed any indication of women's teams being there for the optics, the past few months would be a significant endorsement of such a view. Which ought to all play into the hands of Glasgow City. They continue to bang the drum for the philosophy that underpinned their existence and, as a stand alone club who have no affiliation to anyone else, can ensure the focus of the club is funnelled entirely onto the pitch. They have had a few departures of their own to contend with. The latest was the impressive Sam van Diemen who will swap Petershill for Rome this season as she heads to Roma after an undisclosed fee was agreed between the teams on Friday. AND ANOTHER THING For someone who hates women's football, Joey Barton fair manages to watch plenty of it. England's women take on Spain tomorrow night in the Euros final as Sarina Wiegman's side look to defend their status as European champions. If it's not for you – as Barton has been fairly clear on – there is no law to say you must watch it. Barton, who needs to find £200k to clear his liable costs to Jeremy Vine, hosted a live watch-a-long of the semi-final this week in order to mock what was in front of him. Joey Barton is 42-years-old. If England are successful tomorrow night, they will be the first English senior national side to defend a major trophy. The game is their third consecutive final, after they also reached the FIFA Women's 2023 World Cup final against Spain. Whatever Barton's ilk may have to say on the matter, they are clearly doing something right. AND FINALLY Hamilton Accies' experiment at a recent friendly to open the gates and request a donation for attendance is an interesting way to look at generating funds. Getting bums on seats has been a challenge across the SWPL – and the Scottish national team. Giving tickets away free is regarded as devaluing the game but there is a desperate need to drum up a way to get people through the door. Feedback from Accies was that they felt there had been a reasonable return but it is a matter that clubs are constantly having to weigh up as they look to strike the balance between encouraging supporters and building a base while also making money.
The Herald Scotland
22 minutes ago
- The Herald Scotland
SWPL upheaval gives Hibs chance to do what other champions couldn't
No-one has successfully claimed back-to-back titles across recent seasons. Malky Thomson delivered a title to Rangers four years ago before Glasgow City nicked it back off them the following year. Then it was Celtic's turn and now Hibs. It does, of course, point to genuine competition within the top flight but would also indicate a different kind of pressure when it comes to winning a league and then playing with a target on your back. None of which will be news to the vastly experienced Scott or Joelle Murray in at Hibs. They have tweaked and added to their squad and will be tested to the max from the off this term as they juggle the duel demands of Champions League football and domestic action. It was a weight that proved utterly debilitating to Celtic last term as they competed on a duel front. But the most significant aspect this summer has been the languid manner in which the likes of Celtic and Rangers have gone about the business of building a team capable of challenging for the title. There is yet to be a replacement introduced for Jo Potter – and with the new season just 22 days away that looks increasingly concerning. Add to the mix that Rangers, who have lost out on a domestic treble twice with final day heartbreaks – have also lost a clutch of established first-team players this summer and the work of any new manager walking into the building is obvious. Rio Hardy is set for a switch to Bristol City which will take the exit tally to six. On the other side of the city, Celtic have added former Claire Walsh this week to a squad that has lost ten first-team players since the end of the season. Elena Sadiku was in Switzerland on commentary duties so missed the start of pre-season. But such were the paucity of numbers as the club regrouped earlier this month that even organising bounce games proved to be problematic. The club were also slow to open up season ticket renewals for the women's team. [[Celtic]] finished fourth last season and failed to collect any silverware. There was a mid-season flit from home games in Airdrie to a poorer surface in Hamilton, with the Lanarkshire base now hosting [[Celtic]] and newly promoted Accies in the top flight this term. Season tickets, an exceptionally tough sell in the women's game, have been 'frozen' at £130 for an adult and £20 for a child. But with the league restructure this season meaning a 10-team top flight, this actually amounts to the same price for fewer games. Last season, too, an early bird offer also reduced the cost. Prices are cheap as chips compared to tickets for the men's team but fans have been increasingly disillusioned at the direction of travel this summer. If anyone needed any indication of women's teams being there for the optics, the past few months would be a significant endorsement of such a view. Which ought to all play into the hands of Glasgow City. They continue to bang the drum for the philosophy that underpinned their existence and, as a stand alone club who have no affiliation to anyone else, can ensure the focus of the club is funnelled entirely onto the pitch. They have had a few departures of their own to contend with. The latest was the impressive Sam van Diemen who will swap Petershill for Rome this season as she heads to Roma after an undisclosed fee was agreed between the teams on Friday. AND ANOTHER THING For someone who hates women's football, Joey Barton fair manages to watch plenty of it. England's women take on Spain tomorrow night in the Euros final as Sarina Wiegman's side look to defend their status as European champions. If it's not for you – as Barton has been fairly clear on – there is no law to say you must watch it. Barton, who needs to find £200k to clear his liable costs to Jeremy Vine, hosted a live watch-a-long of the semi-final this week in order to mock what was in front of him. Joey Barton is 42-years-old. If England are successful tomorrow night, they will be the first English senior national side to defend a major trophy. The game is their third consecutive final, after they also reached the FIFA Women's 2023 World Cup final against Spain. Whatever Barton's ilk may have to say on the matter, they are clearly doing something right. AND FINALLY Hamilton Accies' experiment at a recent friendly to open the gates and request a donation for attendance is an interesting way to look at generating funds. Getting bums on seats has been a challenge across the SWPL – and the Scottish national team. Giving tickets away free is regarded as devaluing the game but there is a desperate need to drum up a way to get people through the door. Feedback from Accies was that they felt there had been a reasonable return but it is a matter that clubs are constantly having to weigh up as they look to strike the balance between encouraging supporters and building a base while also making money.
