Brendan Rodgers’ Post-Match Thoughts: Celtic’s 6-0 Victory Over Aberdeen
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers shared his insights following the team’s impressive 6-0 win over Aberdeen in the Scottish League Cup semi-final. Rodgers praised his players’ mentality and ruthlessness, highlighting their ability to learn from past experiences.
“We knew it was going to be tough, but we had to be good today in many aspects of our game,” Rodgers said. “It’s a massive credit to the players. They were outstanding, and their mentality was brilliant.”
Rodgers emphasized the importance of controlling the game, particularly against an Aberdeen side that has shown quality this season. He noted that Celtic’s counter-pressing and faster passing in the second half allowed them to dominate.
Daizen Maeda’s hat-trick was a highlight of the match, and Rodgers expressed delight for the Japanese winger. “He anticipates and gets into areas. His appetite to work hard and run is incredible,” Rodgers said.
When asked about the team’s performance, Rodgers acknowledged that there were moments of sluggishness in the first half but praised their improvement in the second half.
Regarding his yellow card, Rodgers joked that it was well-deserved, attributing it to his slipping on the pitch.
A concerning issue arose when Rodgers addressed the leak of Celtic’s team lineup on social media before matches. He expressed disappointment, emphasizing that such actions are not supportive of the team.
“Whoever is putting it out, if it’s someone from Celtic, you’re not a Celtic supporter,” Rodgers stated. “You’re not helping Celtic. It’s simple as that.”
Rodgers praised his front three, highlighting their speed and exploitation of space. He also emphasized the importance of competition within the team, citing the examples of Liam Scales and Auston Trusty.
Looking ahead to Tuesday’s match against Atalanta, Rodgers acknowledged the differences in opponent quality and style. “It’s about balance. We have to be mindful of their physicality, speed, and pace,” Rodgers said.
He emphasized the significance of Celtic Park’s atmosphere and the fans’ role in driving the team forward.
When asked about the team’s fluid attacking phase, Rodgers attributed it to repetition in training and the players’ understanding of patterns. “It’s how we play. We work very hard in that fluency,” Rodgers said.
Rodgers concluded by expressing his satisfaction with the team’s potential for growth. “I think it will get better. Every day you can develop and improve,” he said.