“Rangers fan now in SHAME” Brendan Rodgers’ critics proved absolutely correct even though the Celtic boss won’t admit it

Brendan Rodgers’ Tactical Masterclass Silences Critics as Celtic Earn Hard-Fought Draw in Italy

Celtic’s impressive 0-0 draw against Atalanta in the Champions League has vindicated manager Brendan Rodgers’ tactical approach, silencing critics who questioned his methods after the humiliating 7-1 defeat to Borussia Dortmund.

A Coming-of-Age Performance

Wednesday’s match in Bergamo showcased Celtic’s growth and maturity under Rodgers. The team demonstrated resilience, grit, and a newfound understanding of the European stage. This performance was a far cry from the naivety that plagued Celtic in previous Champions League outings.

Rodgers’ Tactical Tweaks

The Celtic boss made crucial adjustments to his lineup, deploying a more compact and defensive-minded formation. This strategic shift allowed Celtic to:

1. Protect their midfield, with Arne Engles and Reo Hetate supporting Callum McGregor.
2. Utilize Nicolas Kuhn and Daizen Maeda’s versatility to track Atalanta’s wingers.
3. Solidify their defense, with Liam Scales and Auston Trusty excelling in aerial battles.

These tweaks transformed Celtic into a cohesive unit, capable of absorbing pressure and launching counterattacks.

A Clean Sheet in Italy

Celtic’s shutout against Atalanta marked their first clean sheet in a Champions League away match since 2017. This achievement underscores Rodgers’ ability to adapt and improve his team.

The Performance’s Significance

This result:

1. Demonstrates Celtic’s growth in European competitions.
2. Boosts their chances of qualifying for the play-offs.
3. Validates Rodgers’ tactical flexibility.

Critics Proven Correct

Rodgers’ initial reluctance to alter his approach after the Dortmund debacle sparked concern. However, his willingness to reassess and adjust has paid dividends.

The Celtic manager’s post-match comments hinted at lingering defensiveness, but the outcome speaks for itself. Rodgers has proven his ability to evolve and guide Celtic to success on the European stage.

Key Players Shine

1. Callum McGregor: Excelled in his deep-lying midfield role.
2. Liam Scales and Auston Trusty: Formed a formidable defensive partnership.
3. Nicolas Kuhn and Daizen Maeda: Provided vital width and tracking.

The Road Ahead

Celtic’s draw against Atalanta sets them up nicely for their remaining Champions League fixtures:

1. Bruges (home)
2. Young Boys (home)
3. RB Leipzig (home)

A win against Bruges and a point against Leipzig would virtually secure Celtic’s spot in the play-offs.

Conclusion

Brendan Rodgers’ tactical masterclass in Italy has silenced critics and demonstrated Celtic’s potential for growth. This result will inject confidence into the team, and with Rodgers at the helm, Celtic can look forward to a promising Champions League campaign.

Will Celtic continue to build on this momentum, or will they face another setback in their quest for European success?

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