MLS Charlotte FC

What Former Coaches Ange Postecoglu & Brendan Rogers Have to Say About Liel Abada

Published on March 7, 2024 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
Charlotte FC News Release


At just 22 years old, Liel Abada has had the privilege of playing under two distinguished managers: Ange Postecoglou and Brendan Rodgers. Postecoglou now manages Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League, while Rodgers is the current boss at Celtic and a former coach of Liverpool. Both managers have expressed nothing but praise for the young winger.

Postecoglou's first major signing after being appointed as Celtic's new coach for the 2021/2022 season was Abada, then just a 19-year-old joining a team outside of Israel for the first time. Under Postecoglou's guidance, Celtic secured back-to-back Scottish Premiership titles, two Scottish League Cups, and a Scottish Cup with Abada playing a pivotal role.

In March 2023, when Abada had already contributed 12 goals and seven assists despite consistently coming off the bench, Postecoglou had this to say about the Israeli, as reported by _The National_.

"Consistently when he is asked to contribute, he makes a contribution," praised Postecoglou.

He continued to commend Abada for his capability to manage the pressures associated with the demand for consistent production at a young age.

"He's a pretty strong-willed young man," he said. "It wasn't easy for him to come across here at his age. He's come into a big club where there are expectations.

"When you are a winger at this football club people don't give you allowances for your age or whatever kind of player you are. They want to see goals and assists, and he's been consistent in doing that."

This sets a positive precedent for Abada, who will face similar pressure as a Young Designated Player at Charlotte FC. Designated Players typically face high expectations, but the 22-year-old is not only accustomed to this pressure but has thrived under it.

After Postecoglou's departure from Celtic to take on his current role at Tottenham, Brendan Rodgers returned to the club in the summer of 2023 to replace him. This marked Rodgers' second stint at Celtic, having previously coached the team from 2016 to 2019.

Following Abada's contract extension in September 2023, Rodgers outlined the reasons behind the decision to extend the young winger's contract.

"Already he has made a great contribution to Celtic, delivering some great performances and making a real impact," said Rodgers as reported by Sportsmax. "His energy and ability are real assets to us, and his delivery in terms of goals and assists from wide areas has been excellent.

"He is a fantastic young player."

It's evident that Dean Smith, the current coach of Charlotte FC, holds the young winger in high regard. During an early press conference with his new team, he emphasized the importance of having forwards with pace and a willingness to make runs behind the defense. Abada perfectly fits that description, and with Smith's guidance, he has the potential to elevate his game to the next level.

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