Sport nationBrendan Rodgers Proves His Champions League Credentials with Celtic’s Italian Masterclass
Celtic captain Callum McGregor has leapt to the defense of manager Brendan Rodgers, praising his tactical acumen following an impressive 0-0 draw against Atalanta in the Champions League.
Rodgers Under Fire
Rodgers faced intense criticism after Celtic’s 7-1 thrashing by Borussia Dortmund earlier this month. However, McGregor insists the manager’s game plan was spot-on against Atalanta.
A Defensive Masterclass
Celtic’s defensive display in Italy was a testament to Rodgers’ tactical prowess. The team’s first clean sheet at this stage of the tournament since 2017 has put them in a strong position to claim a spot in the new-look play-off format.
McGregor’s Praise for Rodgers
“Oh, absolutely, absolutely, he’s top, top level, and I’ve seen that over so many years now,” McGregor said. “Obviously, he’ll feel good about himself after that, as well as all the players. It was excellent.”
Rodgers’ Transformation of Celtic
McGregor highlighted Rodgers’ impact on Celtic, transforming the club during his initial tenure and building upon Ange Postecoglou’s foundations.
“For me, there’s no question that he’s a top manager,” McGregor emphasized. “When you come to this competition, the idea in the Dortmund game was similar; we just got lost as players. So we have to take responsibility for that as well.”
Players’ Responsibility
McGregor acknowledged the players’ role in Celtic’s performances, stressing they cannot solely blame the manager.
“As players, we’ve got to take responsibility because it can’t always be the manager’s fault; it’s sometimes the players’ fault as well,” he said.
Game Plan Execution
The Celtic skipper praised the team’s execution of Rodgers’ game plan against Atalanta.
“The way that we executed the game plan, especially against that man-to-man system, everyone should take the credit because he came up with the idea, and the players then executed it,” McGregor noted.
Team Unity
McGregor emphasized the importance of teamwork and unity.
“It’s a real togetherness, and I’m sure he’ll be the first one to say that as well,” he concluded.
Celtic’s Champions League Prospects
With four points from three games, Celtic is well-positioned to secure a spot in the play-off format. Rodgers’ tactical acumen and the team’s unity will be crucial in their upcoming matches.
RB Leipzig and Club Brugge Tests
Celtic now gears up for back-to-back home clashes with RB Leipzig and Club Brugge. McGregor wants more epic European nights as they chase a spot in the knockout phase.
“Home games are always important; the next one will be a very difficult game, similar to the Dortmund style the Germans play,” McGregor said. “It’ll be a tough game, and we’ll have to bring a big level to that as well, but hopefully, we can get on our game and bring the crowd with us and get another positive result.”
Conclusion
Callum McGregor’s defense of Brendan Rodgers underscores the manager’s quality and Celtic’s potential for success. As the Champions League progresses, Rodgers’ tactical expertise and the team’s togetherness will be vital in achieving their goals.
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