Brendan Rodgers Discussion Thread

Good presser, liked his high praise for young Colby Donovan and how he went into a bit of detail on why left sided players are playing out of position on the right. Not often ye get those kinda explanations from managers.

 

So, he's confirmed we have 4 LWs and only Forrest as RW

 

And Yang, equally as good on each wing

 

Thoughts on that win Brendan?

I thought we played very well. We've come to Partick, Mark’s team have been doing really, really well, really consistent over these last numbers of weeks and these can be really tricky games, but I thought we handled it really well.

Our football was really good, intense, scored goals, aggressive when we didn't have the ball and a really professional performance.



Big week coming up as well. How much would you need a performance and result like that?

I think we're building. It's very, very difficult to be hot all year round. Last year, we started like a house on fire and maybe towards the end of the season, we just dropped a little bit. This season, obviously, with everything over the summer, it's taken a bit of time, but we're building and building rhythm and confidence, and I thought you could see that today.

So, yes, it’s such a long season, still very early, but seeing that today shows that we're on the right path.




I saw more fan protests before the game, but you could tell by the reaction of the fans that they're very much behind the team?

Very much so, very much so. I will never tell the supporters what to do or feel, but I don't think they've forgotten the team because they know the support, the players feel it, they get encouraged by it, and we're a great backing all day.






Looking at the third goal, especially there, Brendan, was it encouraging to see the link-up between Sebastian Tounekti and Kelechi Iheanacho and you see that quality in those areas now?

Yes, and I think that it was interesting because, obviously, they looked to come and press early in the second half, and then we were able to play through that.

Sebastian's made a great impact since he's come in .He's got great speed, really good in the one-versus-one.

Kelechi is very good. I know him well in those tight spaces, in and around the box. He's got a lovely touch and his set-up play for the goal was excellent.

I'm glad for Sebastian because that's one area, when I spoke to him before he came in, that I felt we can improve his game because for him to keep progressing, he's got big talent, but he needs to add numbers to his game.







The focus of the team, the desire from the first minute was impressive?

Yes, I think we needed to be all over Partick today. I think if you give any team you come away from home a quarter-final of a cup, if you look for an easy game, they will give you a really difficult game. So that was the message before coming out. We need to be all over these guys from the beginning, and thankfully, our pressing intensity was really good.






And now you've got a big draw vs Rangers in the semi-final?





Yes, I think that whatever team you play in the semi-final, going to Hampden, I think that was important for us to get back there. A lot of games in between then and, hopefully, between now and then, we can build the rhythm and keep growing and arrive in a good place for the semi-final.






Do you expect that the atmosphere around the team and the dynamic of the team will be very different from what we saw at Ibrox a couple of weeks ago?

Ibrox was a really, I think I said it at the time, for both teams, it wasn't a great game, to be honest.

Obviously, my worry was only Celtic, so we weren't in our best place. Even though in other times you go to Ibrox and you get a point, it might be deemed okay. But for me, as I said, it was just about trusting the team and trusting how we work and, more importantly, trusting the players, which I do.

And I can see the fluency starting to arrive.







It was an ideal preparation for midweek, Brendan, yes?

Yes, I think any good win, good performance, clean sheet, going into Europe was always good. So, yes, lots of players are getting good game time.

People may be looking and thinking, 'Well, why do you not make more changes?' But, actually, a lot of the players haven't been playing so much. If you think of the international break, a lot of the players, sometimes, that went on international duty, didn't get a lot of game time. So, if they didn't play today, it could have been a long time before they played.

So, the guys coming off the bench, impacting the game as well, and if they arrive, we look forward to that game there on Wednesday.






Good for Kieran Tierney today as well, Brendan, getting the 90 minutes?

Yes, psychologically, I felt it was important for him. He hasn't played 90 in a long, long time, but for him just to push himself, to get over the hill, was very important.

And, yes, I thought he was, especially in the first half, the combination play with him and Sebastian on that side was outstanding.

Kieran looks strong?

Yes, he’s gone through a lot, not just physically, but mentally. There's a stress on a player that you can never understand, unless you've had really bad injuries, and what that does to you, and what it makes you think about whenever you're pushing yourself. And when you're young and fresh and haven't got many injuries, then you're just free and you're 100 per cent.

When you know that you've been out for maybe periods of time, it can psychologically hurt you. But he's getting over all that, and it's just every day getting better and improving. And today, it's good for him to get the 90 minutes.








I know it's early in his career, but Sebastian Tounekti’s looking every inch a Celtic winger, in a throwback sense. He's a guy that takes people on, and you were talking about his numbers and everything, but he excites the crowd?

Oh, yes, he excites me every time he gets the ball, and that's what we were desperate for in the team.

So, he's come in and been really aggressive. He's a really talented boy because he can go either way, and also, not only that, he can run in behind. You see the number of times he makes runs.

Sometimes he doesn't get it, sometimes he does, but he's running off the ball as well. So, I'm really excited for where he is and where we can bring him to. But importantly, supporters will love watching him because he's so exciting.

Because that tradition is something to be embraced, isn't it?

I think that when you come here and you look through the history of this club, it's littered with amazing wingers, and that's the football we play. The DNA of this club is based on attacking football, and that is with wingers on the side of the pitch that can take people on, beat people.

And every time he gets the ball, you just sense the excitement, and that's what we need on both sides.








Brendan, just on young Colby Donovan, it was a really nice moment for him at the end there. How pleased have you been with his contributions since stepping into the team?

Yes, delighted for Colby, and a little bit at the end was just to let him feel that moment that he probably dreams of all his life, being a Celtic supporter.

I've always loved his personality, coming back the second time, just seeing him as a young player, and he was going through a growth spurt in his first year at the club. But what he has, he has the personality to play for Celtic, and I thought he did very well today. The servicing of the ball was good, aggressive.

Sometimes a young player can get picked out for the ball to go on that side, but he's dominant in the air, and he's only going to get better. So, really pleased for him, and he trains really well every day, and he was deserving of his opportunity.

He said he's bonded with Kieran Tierney, that's his ideal role model, isn't it? Look no further than Kieran?

I think all the kids coming through can really look to all the young players that have come through the system. James Forrest, you look at Callum and all the guys that have come through, and Stephen Welsh, and Tony Ralston, all these players that have come through the system, they're all of the same DNA, humble, hard-working and consistent, and Colby’s definitely learning from him






Is he likely to keep his place, Brendan, or could you have Tony back for Belgrade?

Tony will train on Monday.

Listen, there's no one guaranteed. If you're playing and performing, you're playing in the team. So, there's nobody that I would ever say is a definite starter in any position.

You train not just to play, but you train to fight, and if you're training and fighting and running and working, then you'll get the chance to play. But you also have to be aware of his age and the number of games coming into the system, but he's shown that he can be a first-team player at Celtic. That's really good for him.

Did everyone else come through without injury? No other issues for you?

No, I don't think so. I'll find out in the morning, but I think everyone's come through really well. We were able to manage the group and the players getting game time, and yes, it's good for us.

After the disappointment of not reaching the Champions League, how excited are you about getting the Europa League campaign underway?

Yes, any European competition, of course, is a great honour to be in. We always want to be in the Champions League. That's where I believe the club should be.

But if we're not there, then, of course, we embrace this competition and we're excited by this competition and how far we can go in it.

Do you have anything to say to the players about what they should be achieving in this competition?

No, no, no. It’s just a game at a time.

We've obviously got eight good but tough fixtures. Then we'll see where we're at at the end of that

 

I'd say hes loving the protests

 

Some early quotes from Brendan’s press conference







On entering the Europa League
Rodgers said: "Both clubs missed out in final qualifiers and wanted to be in that. But we're now looking forward to the competition. We're over the disappointment and we want to do well in this competition."

On recent fan unrest
The Celtic boss said: "The supporters will have their focus on the football. One of the great things about the Celtic support is that they really back the team. Hopefully, one day we'll all come back together.





Rodgers sees Celtic improvement
After watching his side pick up a 4-0 win at the weekend, Rodgers sees things starting to click in the Celtic team.

He said tonight, "Team are finding their new connections again. I'm really seeing the connections improving. The spirit in the team is very strong."

Can Celtic make a deep Europa League run?
Sebastian Tounekti said on Sunday there's no reason why the Bhoys can't have a strong European campaign, and Rodgers concurs.

He said, "That's the plan for every team but certainly for us, we want to have a real go in this competition. We want to push to do well and we feel we can do. We have to forget about the Champions League, that's gone. We need to look forward.

"Seville created some great memories for people back in 2003. We have a good possibility of doing well again.

"I haven't looked too far ahead. You have to earn the right and win points, that's what we aim to do tomorrow night."


European experience growing
On Celtic's learnings from last year after coming through the League Phase of the Champions League to face Bayern Munich, Rodgers feels progress has been made.

He said, "There was a big learning last year. We built a confidence in the first year I was back, even though we lost a few games. Last year, we showed that we could learn and still play our football, and there was no bigger example of that than the Allianz Arena.

"It gives us confidence we can go away in Europe and get results."






Any hesitation to play Colby Donovan?
Young Colby Donovan only has two Celtic starts to his name, but could feature on Wednesday night with Alistair Johnston injured and Anthony Ralston only returning to training this week.

Rodgers was asked if there was any hesitation about potentially playing Donovan in Belgrade.

He said, "No, absolutely none at all."

The message to his players
The atmosphere could be hostile for the Bhoys in Belgrade, but Rodgers has a clear message for his squad.

He said, "Just embrace it. I've heard the walk is about two minutes from the dressing room to the stadium, so I'll have to talk a bit quicker at half-time! But what an opportunity, just embrace it."





Celtic's approach won't change
Celtic always look to dominate possession and seek attacking openings. Despite playing away from home in Europe, that won't change in Belgrade.

Rodgers said, "From the football aspect, our team is growing and developing. We won't change our mentality. We always respect the opponent and prepare for a tough game, but we know we are a tough opponent as well. We want to make it a really difficult night for Red Star.

"You know, in any game you play in European football, you need to start strong. Our DNA is very clear, we always want to play attacking football, but you know we won't always have it our own way. There are times when we will have to defend, but we have the confidence to play our own game."






Rodgers reiterates Champions League talk is done
Again asked about the summer qualification failure, Rodgers said, "For us, for myself and the players, our disappointment is long gone. We have to look forward and embrace this great competition

 

Brendan Rodgers says Celtic are aiming to have a good run in the Europa League after missing out on the continent’s top competition.

The Hoops get the league phase under way with a game against Red Star Belgrade in Serbia on Wednesday.

They were denied a place in the Champions League after a penalty shoot-out defeat to Kairat Almaty in the play-off round.

But the manager insists it is time to consign that to the history books and “have a real go” in Europe’s second-tier tournament.

Speaking on the eve of their opening game, Rodgers said: “After the initial disappointment (of missing out on the Champions League), we are now really looking forward to this competition.




You look at the eight games we have, there are some great teams and it is a great challenge for us to be in it.

“We are now really focused on doing well in this competition.

“I’m sure that (going deep into the tournament) is the plan for every team, but certainly for us, we want to have a real good go at this competition.

“We were competitive in the Champions League last season, and likewise in the Europa, with the improvements that we will make as the season goes on, we really want to push and do as well as we can do.

“We have to forget about the Champions League now, that is gone this season, so it is now very much about looking forward.




When Celtic reached the final in 2003, that created some incredible memories for people and that came off the back of not qualifying for the Champions League.

“This is going to be a great tournament, with some great games, and I am really looking forward to it.”

 

You've spoken a lot about your disappointment, obviously, not making it through to the Champions League. Can you just talk us through a little bit more about your hopes for this competition?

I think both clubs actually missed out on the final qualification games and wanted to be in that. But after the initial disappointment, we're really looking forward to this competition. It's one of the eight games we have.

There are some great teams, historical teams, and it's a big challenge for us to be in it. So we're over that disappointment, and we're now really focused on doing well in this competition.





You were keen to focus on the football. You've mentioned that in the past. I wonder if this competition and a game like this have the potential to do that for the support as well, and for the focus to be on the football and not the other stuff?

The supporters will have their focus on the football. That's one of the great things about the support. They do really get behind the team and support the team. There are obviously other factors going on at the moment, and I really hope that at some point in the future we all come together.

But as I've said many times, my job is to really concentrate on the players and the team and us performing well, and we'll get the support






You are going into a new competition with new players as well. What's your general assessment of how healthy the squad is going into this?

I think I mentioned before that we're building. Like I say, guys are changing. New guys are coming in and understanding how we work and how we play. The team planning and the new connections again. It may feel easy and seem easy, but it's not.

Guys, do come in more often. Obviously, some of the guys come in later as well. I'm really seeing the connections and the team improving. The spirit of the team is very strong. We've got a bunch of really good guys who want to do well in their careers at Celtic. We have to continue to work that way in order to perform well.





Is there confidence, Brendan, of not just putting the mark on this competition, but going into the real deep stages of this competition with the strength in depth you now have?

I think that's the plan for the team. But certainly for us, we want to have a really good go at this competition. In the Champions League last season, we were competitive, which we wanted to be. I'd like to see this tournament here.

We feel that we can, with the improvements that we will make as the season goes on. But obviously, starting tomorrow night, we really want to push to do well. We feel we can do it.






I know the support will look to the Champions League, but this competition can still give this club some really great moments. You go back to Seville with Celtic. It's still a competition that can create great moments for a football club, isn't it?

Yes. We have to forget about the Champions League. That's gone. We can't look back. I'm very much looking forward to the future and how we can improve on and off the pitch. But on the pitch, like you say, that created some incredible memories for people in 2003, and that came off the back of a disappointment in not qualifying.

So yes, it's going to be a great tournament, great games. I'm really looking forward to the coaching challenge within that. Seeing the guys operate at this level, and they know that we can have a really good possibility this season to do really well.








You talked about the Bayern Munich game and this summer about progress. That's what you want. That's what everyone at the club ideally wants. Now that you are in Europe and you're talking about ideally going deep into the competition, do you feel that the club can make progress from last season in this competition by going really deep into it? That would be some form of progress.

Yes. To be honest, I haven't really looked so far ahead. I just know that we're in a competition that I want us to do very well in. I'm not going to forecast anything about how far or how deep we can go. You've got to earn that right. You've got to win the games. You've got to win points. That's what we need to do starting tomorrow night.










How good is it to be playing at a stadium like this? You've got some historic clubs in here who are just like Celtic. How much are you looking forward to this atmosphere tomorrow night?

Yes, very much so. I saw the England game here a few weeks back. It's a good atmosphere in the stadium. It's my first time in Serbia, so I'm really honoured to be here. The club has an amazing history and the opportunity to play here at this stadium. We're really looking forward to it.












In previous years, there's been a lot of talk about Celtic being away in Europe and struggling. Do you feel that last season's performances and results, I think in Atalanta and Zagreb and that sort of thing, do you think those helped you in terms of this year? What have you learned from that?

I think there was a big learning last year. In the first year when I came back, we had some good performances in the competition that we were in. It built confidence, even though we'd lost a few games.

Last year, we showed that we could learn. We showed that you don't have to press every single ball that's there. You've got to take your moments to press, to blow up the game, and then you can still play your football.

There's no bigger example of that than the Allianz Arena. So, to be able to do that there, play to that level against such opposition, and the performance that we had in Atalanta, like you say, in Zagreb last year, Celtic got away getting a point in the Champions League, and it was really a disappointment.

So, that really showed how much we've progressed. But I feel that that gives us confidence to know that you can go away in Europe, get results and put in good performances, and then know that you're home for the support, and everything can give you a great chance to progress.








It's clearly a very tough game, but how big would a win on a night be for this team?

Well, it would be the first step. I think that there'd be no point in getting a win tomorrow night and then not doing it in the other games. So, for us, it's to get a positive performance, take a positive result away with us, and that's what we aim for.

So, yeah. I wouldn't put too much emphasis on this game, of course, but we want to clearly do well in the game.






What are you expecting from the Red Star as they are in good form domestically and scoring a lot of goals, and enjoyed a derby win at the weekend?

I think that they've got an experienced team, some really good players. They've won seven games out of seven domestically, so they're in good form. And I'm sure they want to do well in this competition as well.

So, yeah, it's got to be a real good test for us, but we're ready and up for that challenge to show our mentality and also to show our football quality. But I think in a game in Europe, you've really got to go away and earn your result.






It was a wonderful moment for young Colby Donovan at the weekend there, and he's shown up well. I know obviously Tony was back training today, but would you have any qualms about throwing young Colby into an atmosphere like that tomorrow?

No, no, not at all. It's one of the things I really like about him as a young player. I think he's a big personality. I've seen that over my few years up here. It's something I really like, his mindset and his ability to not worry about making mistakes.

He just has a really strong mentality to his game, and he's improving physically. He's understanding the football very well. And, yeah, I have no hesitation in putting him in.







We spoke to Red Star earlier; they were talking about the importance of really coming out and having a go in front of this big home crowd. Do we know that, again, that creates, or potentially creates opportunity for you guys as well, in terms of, as you said, when you're going out and have that maturity to pick your moment when you go out and have a go for that space?

Yeah, and I also think, as well, that it's a game that the lovely space follows in, and we're good when we have space. I think a lot of times, domestically, we're playing against teams that are sat in half a pitch, and sometimes the grass isn't quite as you would want it.

But, no, I think tomorrow night it's a lovely pitch, beautiful stadium, and, yeah, we work every day to play through pressure situations, to play through teams when they're sat deep, so hopefully we can show that tomorrow night.








The defence has been a big positive this season; they'll be particularly important tomorrow night, won't they?

Yeah, I think our defence is from the front of the pitch. Whenever you defend well and keep clean sheets and don't give so much away, it's because your team is synchronised and it's pressure, everyone working.

We talk a lot about that pressing side of our game. I think we're a team that likes to be in balance, both offensively and defensively, and that's very important for us. And especially when you come away from home and you're looking at football, it's basically as important.





Apparently, it's going to be a bit loud and intimidating. Is there anything you can do to prepare for that? Are you confident your team will cope with that experience?

Yeah, just embrace it. I've obviously heard it's about two minutes, pretend you're leaving the stadium. So I'll have to speak a bit quicker tomorrow at half-time. Just embrace it. It's an amazing occasion to come and play in a really historical stadium and everything that goes with that. You go and you challenge it, but whenever it comes your way, you accept it and grow from it.




No other knocks apparently. Is there anyone else injured?

Tony (Ralston ) is obviously back in training. Auston will join the team and the squad on Friday. Apart from that, all the same.










The Red Star team has a lot of self-confidence because of the win in the evening derby against Partizan. Celtic can be said to be the least satisfied support because they didn't qualify for the Champions League. Does that create additional pressure, and how will you approach this match?

We also know that we can be a really difficult opponent to play against as well. We have a lot of strong characteristics in our team, speed in our team, we have really good technical players, and we can score goals. So we're looking forward to the challenge, and we want to make it a really, really difficult night for Red Star.

You saw the match between the Red Star and Partizan. What do you expect from the Red Star? Do you think that the Red Star's coach will put Stefan Leković in the team, and do you think that he will make some changes in the match? How much does it affect the team's performance, and do you feel satisfied with that?

Firstly, we watched the Red Star play, and it was a good victory for them at the weekend. We've also looked at the European games that they have played and some of the domestic games, so we tried to anticipate that maybe the team they play might be more experienced.

But either way, you know in any game you play in European football, you have to start strong and you have to be really compact as a team, and you need to be together and you need to earn the right to play your football.

As a football club, our identity and DNA are very clear. We always look to play attacking football, but you also understand that you won't always have it your own way. There will be moments to defend, and we have to be really strong in those moments. We have the confidence to play our game, and that's what we have to play.





What are the support's expectations for achieving a better result in this competition?

I think initially, probably like Red Star, there was a big disappointment to get knocked out of the Champions League. We were similar; we were disappointed when we did not qualify for the Champions League. However, that is life.

We didn't earn the right to be there as a football club, so we're not there. We can't look back. You can only look forward. I'm really pleased that we're in this competition, a prestigious competition also, and playing against some great teams.

For us, and for myself and the players, the disappointment is long gone. We have to look forward, and we have to embrace this great competition and see how well we can do.








I'm really keen to hear how you're feeling about the prospect of playing somewhere like this tomorrow night and having your first taste of European adventure in this competition itself?

I'm looking forward to it a lot. I've heard a lot about this place. It's going to be an amazing atmosphere, so I'm looking forward to it a lot.