Sport Nation 2Brendan Rodgers Reflects on Celtic’s Perfect Start to the 2024/25 Season
Celtic FC has begun the 2024/25 season in dominant fashion, winning all five of their opening matches. This remarkable run has seen them climb to the top of the Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) table and secure a place in the quarter-finals of the League Cup. The team has been prolific in front of goal, scoring 15 goals while conceding only one since the league flag was raised at the start of the campaign.
In an exclusive interview with Celtic TV, manager Brendan Rodgers shared his reflections on the team’s early success, their standout 3-0 victory over Rangers in the Glasgow derby, and his thoughts on areas for further improvement.
A Perfect Start
Brendan Rodgers couldn’t have asked for a better beginning to his second stint at the helm of Celtic. After returning to the club where he enjoyed great success between 2016 and 2019, Rodgers has led his squad to a flawless start in both the league and cup competitions. With a 100% record after five matches, the Hoops are already setting a strong pace at the top of the SPFL standings.
Their latest triumph came in the form of a commanding 3-0 win over their arch-rivals Rangers. Speaking about that memorable performance, Rodgers highlighted his satisfaction with the team’s improvement, especially in their pressing and tactical execution.
“I was very pleased with the performance and the result,” Rodgers said. “Going into the game, I was really looking for improvement from when we last played Rangers. I think that was clear to me—we had done that.”
Rodgers noted that while the first 10 minutes weren’t perfect, with the team’s pressing and distances between players not quite up to his standards, Celtic still maintained control and limited Rangers’ chances. Once the first goal was scored—albeit initially disallowed—the team shifted into higher gear, dominating the game from that point onward.
The Derby Win: A Key Moment
The 3-0 victory over Rangers was more than just another league match; it was a statement of intent from Celtic. Derby matches in Glasgow are always highly charged affairs, and this one was no different. The win not only secured bragging rights but also demonstrated the growing cohesion within Rodgers’ squad.
Rodgers emphasized that the result was a testament to the hard work of his players, staff, and supporters, all of whom contributed to making the day unforgettable. Despite the comfortable scoreline, the manager remains hungry for more from his team.
“I’d still like us to be more ruthless, if I’m honest,” he admitted. “In all the games, we’ve scored three goals, so from an attacking perspective, we’re playing the way I want us to be. But there are still elements where we can be better. We’re creating really good opportunities, but we need that extra ruthlessness to take them and make the scoreline even greater.”
Defensive Solidity
Celtic’s early-season success isn’t just down to their attacking prowess. Defensively, the team has been rock-solid, conceding only once in five matches. This defensive strength has given the team a strong platform to build on, allowing their attackers to take risks and push forward with confidence.
Rodgers praised the defensive unit for their consistency and focus, key attributes that have helped the team maintain such an impressive record. The likes of Cameron Carter-Vickers and Greg Taylor have been instrumental in organizing the backline and ensuring Celtic remain difficult to break down.
Star Performers: Maeda and McGregor
Several players have stood out in the opening weeks of the season, with Daizen Maeda’s performance in the derby win earning particular praise. The Japanese winger was a constant threat to the Rangers defense, using his pace and energy to stretch the opposition. Rodgers hailed Maeda’s work rate and influence on the game, noting that his pressing and movement were key to unsettling Rangers.
“Daizen was exceptional,” said Rodgers. “His energy and ability to press the opposition are phenomenal, and he was a huge part of why we were able to dominate the game.”
Another standout has been Celtic captain Callum McGregor, whose leadership on and off the field has been vital to the team’s early-season form. Rodgers praised McGregor’s ability to control the tempo of matches, guide younger players, and set the standard for what’s expected in a Celtic shirt.
“Callum’s leadership is outstanding,” Rodgers remarked. “He understands the demands of this club, and he leads by example every time he steps onto the pitch. His influence is crucial to how we want to play.”
New Arrivals Making Their Mark
Celtic made several key signings during the summer transfer window, and Rodgers is already seeing positive signs from the new arrivals. One of the most anticipated debuts came from Luke McCowan, who impressed in his first appearance for the club. The former Dundee United player has adapted quickly to life at Celtic Park and has shown glimpses of his potential to become a key contributor this season.
In addition, Rodgers is confident that the club’s deadline-day signings will also have a significant impact as the season progresses. He believes the new additions have brought both quality and depth to the squad, ensuring Celtic have the resources to compete on multiple fronts.
Maintaining Focus After the International Break
As the season takes a brief pause for the international break, Rodgers is keen to ensure his players remain focused and ready to continue their strong form upon returning to domestic action. With crucial league matches and cup ties on the horizon, the manager emphasized the importance of maintaining intensity and consistency.
“We’ve had a great start, but it’s only the beginning,” he cautioned. “There are a lot of games to come, and we need to keep improving in every aspect of our play. The players will get a chance to recharge over the break, but when we come back, the focus will be on pushing even harder.”
The Road Ahead
With five wins under their belt, Celtic have set the tone for the rest of the season. However, Rodgers and his team are aware that there is still a long way to go. The ultimate goal is not just to retain their league title but to make a strong impact in all competitions, including European tournaments.
Rodgers’ philosophy of attacking football, combined with defensive discipline, seems to be resonating with the squad. If they can maintain their current momentum, Celtic look poised for another successful campaign under the Northern Irishman’s leadership.
As the international break offers a brief respite, Celtic fans will be eagerly anticipating the return of domestic football, hoping their team can continue their impressive form and push for further success in the months to come.
Conclusion
Celtic’s perfect start to the 2024/25 season under Brendan Rodgers has filled the club’s supporters with optimism. With five wins from five, a strong defensive record, and a squad full of attacking talent, the Hoops are in an excellent position to challenge for multiple honors this season. As Rodgers continues to refine his team, the Celtic faithful can look forward to more thrilling performances and, potentially, another trophy-laden campaign.
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