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Celtic boss suggests revolutionary measure to improve European competitiveness

Barcelona's Luis Suarez and Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers after the game (REUTERS)
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Celtic have struggled in Europe this season, and Brendan Rodgers believes that training in the cold winter months has hampered their progress.

Speaking to reporters, Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers highlighted the need for Scottish football chiefs to overhaul the current setup, and introduce a summer season, in a bid to combat freezing temperatures over the winter and, in turn, increase the competitiveness of Scottish Premiership teams in Europe, as quoted by Sky Sports.

While the Hoops have been dominant domestically so far this season, they have really struggled in the Champions League, picking up two points from five games, with their elimination from the competition already confirmed, with one game still remaining.

Celtic manager Brendan RodgersCeltic manager Brendan Rodgers

And Rodgers told reporters how he believes the structure in Scotland needs to change, in order to give sides north of the border more of a chance on the continent, as quoted by Sky Sports:

“It’s getting colder and in terms of coaching it’s tough. We’re blessed in terms of what we have here compared to other teams, but if you take a developing kid for example, he’s off during the best months of the year. Now – in season – it’s just about keeping kids warm. I would say that there is an argument to say a season which starts in February to November would actually work up here and there would be benefits for clubs. There would be financial benefits and benefits for coaching in the warmer months.”

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers after the gameCeltic manager Brendan Rodgers

Although changing the format of the season to incorporate the summer months would seem drastic at first glance, the potential benefits for all of the teams involved are clear for all to see.

Celtic face Aberdeen later today in the BedFred Cup Final at Hampden Park, and will be looking to complete the first leg of a potential domestic treble.

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers during the press conferenceCeltic manager Brendan Rodgers