Brendan Rodgers was relaxed and confident as he discussed Celtic’s Champions League Play Off match against Bayern Munich.
Seven days ago the Irishman had spoken about his disappointment over the failure of the club to sign a striker before the transfer window closed.
That issue coupled with the suspension of Daizen Maeda from the first leg of the match against Bayern had cast a shadow over the build up after an impressive qualification campaign.
Taking 12 points from eight matches is good going when involved against the 36 best teams on the continent, after last season’s dismal results the upturn in performances and results has been very welcome.
Football is often described as being decided by small margins, last night Celtic got the sort of small break that can tilt things in their favour.
UEFA upheld the appeal against the second match of Maeda’s suspension- suddenly Rodgers had at his disposal the on form player in Scottish football with three wingers competing for two places and a striking alternative to Adam Idah.
Knowing that Maeda was suspended for the Bayern match Rodgers used him for 90 minutes in the matches against Motherwell, Dundee and Raith Rovers. For other players that might result in burn-out but not Maeda, no physical challenge seems to phase him with the Bayern defenders certain to know all about the former Yokohama F Marinos forward by the time they fly back to Munich contemplating the return leg.
THE MADEA BONUS
Rodgers: It’s such a great bit of news we got early evening last night. He’s an extraordinary player for us, hw he’s been this year, not just goals, but his pressing and honesty to the game, so it was a nice surprise and a big surprise.
As a guy, he is super professional, he is in every day, does his work, does the right things to prepare himself and trains as he plays. Very intense. He gives everything to training and take that onto the field. He’s been a joy to work with. His ability, his finishing, but add workrate and intensity. A pivotal plaer.
WAITING ON THE MAEDA APPEAL
Rodgers: Until you get the written report, you can’t put in your appeal. We were thinking it wouldn’t bear fruit. It wasn’t an assault. On that basis alone, the club were great and, thankfully, we won.
He’ll be fine for the game. His will to run and run is incredible. We are lucky to have him. He just keeps continuing to row and develop and now you see his composure.
FITNESS OF JOTA
Rodgers: I have been so impressed. He’s just got star quality written all over him, but he needs to get a physical level and that’s just time.
He hasn’t played a great deal.
CELTIC V BAYERN MUNICH, 2017
Rodgers: Just experiences. I remember back that game. We played well in the game. We went behind, got back to 1-1 and sadly didn’t keep the game at that scoreline for long. But it was a competitive game and that’s been the joy for me, seeing us develop at this level. In terms of my own experiences, it’s just the games, the level. We want to be competitive and I think we have shown that and now can we go forward and sustain that over the coming years.
NEED TO REPLICATE RB LEIPZIG PERFORMANCE?
Rodgers: We’ll certainly have to be at the same level of that. From the mindset, we are also really good in the game, going behind and how we responded.
The big steps we have made this season is in the physical demands of the game because, at this level, it is critical. We will have to get to those levels again.
HARRY KANE
Rodgers: I’ve known Harry for a long time and come across him many times. Only when you face him do you see his level. I know he came through the system at Tottenham. Had lots of loans and was given the opportunity by Tim Sherwood.
You look at him now, a world-class player, goals, but he has changed his game a wee bit. He’s also a tough boy. I can’t speak highly enough of him. You just need to look at his goals record. A fantastic player and a good guy.
With top players, you look tactically and try to nulify their sttrengths. But they will always find space. Thos world class players will find the space, but we have to look to nullify that threat with their other quality players.
We have shown we can hurt teams at this level.”
SCALE OF THE CHALLENGE
Rodgers: We have proven in the first season here are elements in our game which is making progress. We are now playing one of the teams who will see themselves as one of the favourites for the competition. We look to test and measure ourselves against a brilliant team.
Bayern are one of the giants of the European. They really are football royalty with what they have achieved over the years at this level. I know with our game, we mix up the basics, our running and physicality we have improved on. I think we can do that and with the energy and support behind us, anything is possible in the game.
Kyogo, Luis Palma and Stephen Welsh have been replaced by Jota, Johnny Kenny and Jeffrey Schlupp.
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