Sport Nation 2Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers is rallying his team for a crucial Champions League clash against RB Leipzig in Glasgow, emphasizing the lessons learned from their recent defeat to Borussia Dortmund. While Celtic faced a tough 2-0 loss on matchday two against Dortmund, Rodgers is optimistic about the resilience and mentality his squad has developed. The Northern Irishman believes that the team’s response to that setback proves their growth and readiness for high-level competition.
Speaking to TNT Sports, Rodgers credited the “humility” of his players as a key factor in bouncing back from the Dortmund loss. “I knew that [Atalanta] were a top team before we played them, and I knew we had to be really good defensively to get something from the game,” Rodgers said. “It’s a massive testament to our players that they’ve gone there after a really bruising result and responded the way they did. It tells me everything I already know about this team; it’s evidence that the mindset here is very strong.”
Learning from Defeat
Following the defeat in Dortmund, Celtic quickly shifted their focus to a domestic match against Ross County, where they managed to secure a win. Rodgers pointed to that response as proof of the team’s character. “We went that weekend [after Dortmund] to a tough game at Ross County, and we won,” he noted. “Then we had other games where we had to play well to regain form. That resilience, sparked by the disappointment against Dortmund, shows the humility and desire within the squad to learn and improve.”
Rodgers highlighted how such setbacks can become valuable learning experiences that ultimately strengthen the team’s mentality. “Having that as a baseline allows you to grow,” he said. “The performance in Bergamo [against Atalanta] required all of that. The squad showed the resolve and readiness needed to respond to challenges.”
Aiming for a Champions League Upset
Armed with renewed confidence, Celtic now have an opportunity to make a strong push for Champions League progression. The Scottish champions have not reached the knockout stages of Europe’s premier club competition since the 2012/13 season, but a victory over Leipzig would improve their chances of qualifying. Despite the stakes, Rodgers is focused on each game as it comes, considering every Champions League match a “final.”
“This is one of the top teams in European football,” Rodgers said of Leipzig. “They play in a superior league, right at the top level, with a great defensive record. We know we’re facing a side on par with Atalanta and Borussia Dortmund. But that’s why we’re in this competition – to take on these challenges.”
Rodgers is aware of the difficulty that lies ahead, given Leipzig’s quality and experience in Europe. “We know it will be hard,” he acknowledged. “We’ll have to work equally as hard as we did against Atalanta. But we have our supporters with us, and they’ll give us that extra energy in the game.”
Celtic’s Champions League Journey: Progressing Beyond the Group Stage
For Celtic, advancing to the knockout stage of the Champions League has been a rare feat, with their last qualification beyond the group stage occurring over a decade ago. The team’s journey this season has presented some tough matchups, and each game has tested their resilience and adaptability. Rodgers understands that competing against teams from Europe’s top leagues requires not only tactical readiness but also a strong psychological foundation, which his players have been developing game by game.
Reflecting on the journey so far, Rodgers noted that the squad’s experiences – both victories and losses – have equipped them with the maturity needed to handle high-stakes European fixtures. “The Champions League is about testing yourself against the best, and we’ve done that in each match,” Rodgers explained. “Learning from our past games and knowing that each encounter is like a final prepares us for what’s to come.”
Building Momentum on a Domestic and European Front
Domestically, Celtic have continued to perform strongly, reinforcing their position as one of Scotland’s dominant football teams. However, competing in the Champions League is a step up, and Rodgers has had to ensure his players are ready for this higher level of competition. Their recent domestic success serves as a foundation, but the squad is acutely aware that European matches bring entirely new challenges.
Rodgers has previously emphasized the importance of balancing domestic duties with European aspirations. “We’ve shown in our league that we can play at a high standard, but in the Champions League, we’re facing the best teams, and we have to raise our level,” he said. “Our goal is to carry our league form into Europe while staying adaptable and focused.”
The Role of Celtic Supporters
One key advantage Rodgers believes Celtic will have against Leipzig is the energy and passion of their supporters. The atmosphere at Celtic Park is renowned for its intensity, and Rodgers anticipates that the home crowd will play a vital role in motivating the players. “Having our supporters with us gives us that extra energy,” he said. “Their support can lift the players and make a real difference in games like this. It’s a unique aspect of playing at Celtic Park, and we’ll be relying on it.”
Rodgers’s call to the fans underscores his understanding of Celtic’s heritage and the significance of the Champions League for both the club and its supporters. “The Champions League is special here,” he added. “Every fan feels the importance of these games, and their energy fuels the team.”
Looking Ahead
As Celtic prepare to face Leipzig, Rodgers’s focus is on sustaining the mental and physical resilience his team has shown throughout the season. While the journey has included setbacks, Rodgers sees each one as a building block in the club’s European campaign. The manager’s approach, blending accountability with a forward-looking mentality, has fostered a spirit of resilience within the team – a trait they will need to call upon against Leipzig.
Rodgers’s emphasis on humility and the desire to learn suggests that he views Celtic’s Champions League campaign as part of a longer journey. With each game, his players gain valuable experience that can help the club reach new heights in Europe.
For now, Celtic’s immediate goal is clear: overcome Leipzig and bolster their chances of reaching the knockout stage. Whether or not they advance, the growth and character shown by the squad under Rodgers’s leadership have already left an impression on fans and analysts alike.
Sport nation
Amina Umar
