Brendan Rodgers explained the change made at half-time where Daizen Maeda was replaced by Kelechi Iheanacho with the new signing making an immediate impact as Celtic enjoyed a brilliant start at the start of the second half and could perhaps have scored a few goals in this period.
Kelechi Iheanacho scores for Celtic Crvena zvezda v Celtic, UEFA Europa League, Football, Rajko Mitic Stadium, Belgrade, Serbia – 24 Sep 2025Belgrade Rajko Mitic Stadium Serbia Photo Nikola Krstic Shutterstock
On the crucial substitution Rodgers explained his decision: “We needed someone centrally to hold the ball up,” the Celtic manager told TNT Sports. “I felt that we arrived into the final third in the first half and we were either loose with the ball or didn’t hold the ball up.
“That’s one of Kels’ greatest strengths, he can take the ball in and use his body well.”
Asked about any issues with Daizen’s commitment after his summer move fell through at the eleventh hour of the transfer window Brendan dismissed that simply saying that Daizen wasn’t at his best in that first 45 minutes.
Kelechi Iheanacho of Celtic celebrates his goal Crvena zvezda v Celtic, UEFA Europa League, Football, Rajko Mitic Stadium, Belgrade, Serbia – 24 September 2025 Belgrade Rajko Mitic Stadium Serbia Photo Nikola Krstic/Shutterstock
He said: “He wasn’t at his best, or nowhere near it. However, he’s a good guy, and sometimes that happens in the game. I could’ve made a couple of changes at half-time. I wanted to make that one to give us a reference at the top of the pitch. I thought Kels came in and was very good for us.”
Kelechi Iheanacho scored one and could have had another couple, denied by some outstanding goalkeeping. Benjamin Nygren too should have scored after a wonderful set-up from Kieran Tierney. The Swede went for power rather than placing his effort in the gap and ended up hitting the keeper with his golden chance.
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Brendan Rodgers of Celtic Crvena zvezda v Celtic, UEFA Europa League, Football, Rajko Mitic Stadium, Belgrade, Serbia – 24 September 2025 Belgrade Rajko Mitic Stadium Serbia Photo Nikola Krstic Shutterstock
The Celtic manager also called for some realism, stating that his side were never going to go and win all eight games and noting that a point away in Belgrade was a valuable one that may indeed prove to be crucial down the line.
“Nice first step in the competition!”
Brendan Rodgers reflects on Celtic’s draw with Red Star 💬
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