Dembele reacts to being substituted by Rodgers while on a Celtic hat-trick
By Danny Wright
Moussa Dembele has revealed that he was disappointed to be substituted when he was on a hat-trick against Hamilton on Saturday.
Brendan Rodgers took the decision to replace the Scottish Premiership top goalscorer in the 72nd minute after he scored two goals.
However Dembele has said to the Scottish Sun that he understands Rodgers’ decision to bring on Leigh Griffiths as it is a team game.
“I wanted to score more than two, but the gaffer took me off, which was fine. Every player wants to stay on the pitch, but when the manager takes you out it’s for the best of the team,” Dembele said.
“I am happy with that. I just want to score as many goals as I can. I am pleased with the team performance because we played good football.
“Celtic Park is always a hard place to come for the opponents, and we have made it tough for them. We are playing at a high level and producing chances.”
The Bhoys failed to add to Dembele’s two strikes and the game finished 2-0 against the club that is currently bottom of the table.
The 20-year-old overtook his teammate Scott Sinclair as the Scottish Premiership’s top goalscorer to bring his league tally to 15 goals in 24 games.
However the former Fulham striker, who has attracted attention from Premier League leaders Chelsea, has been lethal in front of goal in all competitions this season and has a total of 29 goals to his name in 42 appearances.
Dembele made his France under-21 debut in 2016 and has since scored four goals in four games for the French youth side.
His brace in Celtic’s win on Saturday sees them stay 24 points clear of second-placed Aberdeen at the top of the league.
The Hoops are currently unbeaten in the league this season as they look to secure their sixth consecutive league title.
In other Celtic news, the club are set to secure a new deal for a player within the next few days.
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