Celtic did not have Dedryck Boyata in their ranks as they were knocked out of the Champions League qualifiers.
The Hoops were knocked out of the competition after losing 2-1 in Greece. The preparation for the game was certainly not ideal as Brendan Rodgers did not have the Belgian defender available. The Hoops boss insisted that the centre-back was fit – thus fuelling the rumours that he refused to play amid speculation over his Parkhead future – but Boyata responded by claiming that he had an injury, as reported by the Record.
It would not be too difficult to argue that the situation concerning Boyata had an impact on the result – especially as the two goals saw the Bhoys’ defence contribute to their own downfall – but Griffiths was adamant that the confusion surrounding the 27-year-old did not harm the team’s chances of getting a positive result.
“To be fair the boys weren’t really concentrating on that,” he said, as reported by the Daily Record.
“We had a job to do, regardless of what’s been said about Dedo and his agent and stuff. Whatever happens to Dedo is up to him, his representatives and the club.”
While Griffiths is clear that the events leading up to the game did not have a negative impact, you would imagine that Brendan Rodgers will be desperate for a resolution on Boyata’s future to be found as quickly as possible.
It cannot be helpful to have a key player seemingly in limbo, especially as Celtic’s other centre-back options, barring Kristoffer Ajer perhaps, are struggling to show that they could potentially fill the void if Boyata did leave.
Losing the former Manchester City ace would be a blow, but Celtic would seemingly benefit considerably from bringing an end to this saga, even if Griffiths believes that it did not cost the side in Athens.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
