Honduras manager Reinaldo Rueda claims Celtic’s Luis Palma has to be managed well due to his situation with Brendan Rodgers’ side this year.
The forward has been restricted to 36 minutes of action from two games this season. He hasn’t played five consecutive games for Celtic since February and this seems to be a concern for the national team manager.
Honduras will take on Jamaica in the Concacaf Nations League on Wednesday. In his pre-match press conference, Rueda was asked about the right-back position and the Celtic star. His comments are relayed by La Prensa.
When responding, the manager indicated there’s expectation for the 24-year-old to deliver, mainly because he plays for Brendan Rodgers’ side.
“Luis is recovering, it’s not easy for him, for me, for you and for the fans. Palma has that extra weight because he is playing in a very glamorous league, but it’s a reality,” he said.
“From February to September without playing five consecutive games is not easy for the player, that situation must be deciphered.”
Jamaica will enter this tie after settling for a goalless draw against Cuba last week.
The Honduras manager is aware that their next opponent would be aiming for three points. He has also tried to take the focus away from Palma and Santos Laguna’s Anthony Lozano, simply known as Choco.
“The scenario remains the same, Jamaica are a very difficult opponent, they play strong in their lines. We have to play with a lot of intelligence and intensity,” Rueda explained.
“Jamaica played a good game against Cuba… Jamaica came here to want to win and get points back, the demand is for the whole team.”
“You have to help me take that load away from Palma, Palma doesn’t save the team, we play without Palma, and we play without Choco too, we have to leave them alone, they will perform because they are professionals and committed.”
“Without the compliments, they couldn’t have the name and prestige they have, everyone has to show solidarity, they have to improve, it was a match point, but it wasn’t enough.”
The Celtic star registered an assist in Honduras’ 4-0 win over Trinidad and Tobago. Rueda will be hoping for him to impress against Jamaica tomorrow.
