BRENDAN RODGERS said last night that too many aspiring young Scottish footballers are not dedicated enough to succeed and urged them to use Andy Murray as a role model if they are serious about making it to the top of the sport.
The Northern Irishman, a former Chelsea youth coach who was tutored in Spanish by the world No.1’s coach Jamie Delgado’s father, hasn’t been in Scotland long but one of his first impressions is that our young players are too often held back by poor diet and lifestyle and a failure to take personal responsibility for the sacrifices that need to be made to succeed in modern football.
“Listen, there are great players there,” said Rodgers. “Every culture is different and, from what I have seen here, Chris McCart does a brilliant job overseeing the academy.
“But what I see, from my short experience up here, is just ensuring that they all understand what it actually takes to be an elite player,” he added.
“I have witnessed one or two up here with big talents but when it gets tough they go the other way. This is the key thing for Scottish football – understanding that if you want to be a Champions League player, or be the best you can be, your talent is not enough. You need to prepare in every facet of your life.
“I’ve spoken to enough players, and they blame everyone else. They blame the coach, they blame never getting the chance. They don’t take responsibility. It’s everyone else’s fault.
“And this is what I have been very, very clear about coming in here – with the kids, the 16s, 17s, 18s, 19s, 20s: You have opportunities here, with some of the best facilities in the country, at one of the biggest clubs in the world, you have every tool here in order to be the best player. You need to commit to it.
“We will have a plan for you to get into the first team, but the crown is on your head. You’re the king of your own destiny; you’re responsible for it. Stop taking short-cuts, stop blaming everyone else and get on with being an elite player. And, if you just fall short of an excellent level, you’ll still have a career.”
While Rodgers also pointed to the example of veteran professionals such as Scott Brown and Kolo Toure, Scotland’s world No.1 tennis player, currently eschewing the Christmas festivities to put in punishing pre-season sessions in Miami, is perhaps the role model par excellence.
“What an example that boy is,” said Rodgers. “Unbelievable. You’ve got great sportspeople and he’s the biggest example for everyone. A guy who, when he started, everyone said wasn’t strong enough. So, what did he do? He changes his diet, gets stronger, more powerful, devotes his life to it.
“He’s not there to pick up an award [BBC Sports Personality of the Year] because his training means everything,” Rodgers added. “It’s not the glitz and the glamour with Andy. It’s about being the best he can be. If you want to get to the top of your sport and be the best, there’s your example right there.
“I know one of his coaches, Jamie Delgado, who has been close with him for years. His father was my Spanish tutor. I know his sports scientist and he trains like a trooper. There’s no stone left unturned.
“When you have that mentality, as a footballer and a football nation, then you’re part of the way there. Then if you have talent, which the country will still clearly have, then you have a chance. I can also look here at Scott Brown. He’s devoted and getting the rewards. He’s what an elite sportsperson looks like.”
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