Paulo Bernardo has opened up about being left on the Celtic bench behind Arne Engels this season.
The Portuguese midfielder enjoyed a sterling season on loan last year with Celtic as he made some crucial contributions to Brendan Rodgers’ double-winning team.
In 33 appearances for Celtic, Bernardo scored four goals and created three assists with the most important contributions coming against Rangers.
The 22-year-old scored the opener at Celtic beat Rangers at Parkhead in the New Year Glasgow Derby. Bernardo also created the winner for Adam Idah’s winner as the Bhoys beat Rangers in the Scottish Cup final to secure the double.
But this season, Bernardo has had to wait patiently on the sidelines as Arne Engels takes centre-stage in Rodgers’ first-team lineup, and the Portugal U21 captain has opened up about how he really feels about that.
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Bernardo told The Herald Sport, “I try not to focus on that.
“I try to do my best in the games and in training to show that I can play from the start. The manager makes his choices, and I have to respect them and try to do my best when I can.
“Some players need a little bit more time. I needed a little bit. I think the coach understands that and gives us time to do the right things first and then to have an opportunity.
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“Today, I think I’m better than the day I arrived last season. I’m happy and I think the coach understands that I’m better this year than I was when I came in last year.”
Bernardo was one of the standout players as Celtic thrashed Ross County at the weekend and has given Rodgers something to think about ahead of the Bhoys’ next fixture against Aberdeen on Wednesday night.
Paulo Bernardo’s Celtic stats vs Arne Engels
Both Bernardo and Engels have contributed well to Celtic’s season so far as both players have gotten on the scoresheet and created assists for their Hoops teammates.
As Rodgers has a think about who should start against Jimmy Thelin’s Aberdeen this midweek, 67 Hail Hail decided to have a look at the midfielders’ stats ahead of the big Scottish Premiership clash at Pittodrie.
| Played | Won | Drew | Lost | Goals | Assists | Passing Accuracy | Average Rating | |
| Paulo Bernardo | 20 | 16 | 3 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 87.1% | 7.34 |
| Arne Engels | 17 | 13 | 3 | 1 | 3 | 6 | 83.0% | 7.05 |
The positive about the debate between Engels and Bernardo is that the Celtic fans know that they have two quality players in their ranks.
If one starts then the other could make a contribution from the bench if the game needs changed at any point.
And as the discussion continues between the fans on which player should start for Celtic now, Rodgers has a brilliant selection headache to contend with ahead of the Aberdeen fixture.
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