“A packed-out Celtic Park can really help us,” Manager makes Europa League plea

Here’s everything that was said post match as Brendan Rodgers spoke to the media at the Rajko Mitic Stadium following Celtic’s 1-1 draw with Red Star Belgrade in the Europa League opener…

Q: Brendan, a hard-fought draw in the end, gets things underway. How do you feel about it?

Brendan Rodgers: “We’ve come away to a difficult venue. And the players really stood up to that. I thought they had a real positive attitude in the game. Especially the second half. First half we weren’t aggressive enough in our play. And then when we arrived in the final third of the field I didn’t think we spent enough time in there. We were giving the ball away with loose passing and didn’t quite connect the game.

“But second half we were much better. Kelechi Iheanacho we bring into the game and he provides us with a great platform to come through the pitch. And he created some really good opportunities and he scores a very good goal. But you know Red Stars’ record, they’ve won 7 out of 7. And you know they’re going to be confident, and they’ve scored a lot of goals. But for us I thought we were good in aspects of the game tonight. Especially our resilience and mentality. And as the competition improves, then we will improve as well.”

Q: The goal that you scored tonight was a touch of class, wasn’t it? It was a great first touch, great finish. And I think he demonstrated tonight just what he’ll bring to this Celtic team. Would that be fair?

Brendan Rodgers:  “There’s absolutely no doubt. It’s why, when we were after someone and then he became available why he was the one I wanted in. Because I’ve spent over four years with him and I know his quality at the very highest level. Once he gets his match fitness he’ll be even more prominent for us.

“But a wonderful touch, great finish, calm. But he also brought other players into the game. He was a real reference for us in the second half. And he had a couple of other moments where he nearly got in, and the keeper made a good save. But no, he was a real threat for us in the second half.”

Q: Brendan, much of last year we were talking about how it improved the side were away from home, able to go away to these tough venues in Europe and get results. How pleased are you that it still seems that way? When they levelled it and the crowd were right behind them, that’s when a team can fall. But they stood up to it. They just kept their task and got a valuable point?

Brendan Rodgers:  “Yeah, absolutely. And that is key. If you’re going to win games and get crucial points away from home, then of course being able to do that, especially at places like here. I think this is a stadium that’s well-renowned throughout Europe for being a really tough venue to play in.

“But our players came here and showed their resilience, showed a real positive energy in the game and embraced the challenge. And like I said, in my opinion, we could have won the game. But what is important is that you don’t lose the game. We had a strong mentality to see that through at the end.”

Q: Just a quick word on Colby Donovan playing right back. You stuck with him. You talked about his character yesterday, that he’s got that Celtic player character. He almost exemplified that resolute attitude, didn’t he?

Brendan Rodgers: “He was absolutely brilliant. He’s just turned 19. He’s not played so much for the first team. But everything in his game, first and foremost, he defends. He’s really strong. He’s aggressive. He stops crosses. He competes in the air.

But then he can play. And not only play, but he also has the belief to play. He takes the ball. He passes the ball. He’s made some really good passes. And I was so, so pleased for him because he’s a young guy who’s come through the academy. He’s just waiting for that opportunity and has presented it himself. And he’s taken it.”

Q: How beneficial do you feel Kelechi Iheanacho coming on was for the balance of the team, that you had that target man up front, obviously as a natural striker?

Brendan Rodgers: “I thought it was important. Listen, there are other games Daizen Maeda played for us a lot up front last year as well and scored goals. He made great runs. But he just wasn’t quite on it tonight. And we didn’t quite feed the ball through to him. I also think as well primarily, he’s a player that either can run in behind or a box player when the crosses come in.

“But I felt we needed someone to hold the ball up and be that reference for us to allow the other players to come into the game. And Kelechi, I know, inside out so I know he can bring that for us. And he showed that in the second half.”

Q: There’s still plenty of games to go obviously, but just in terms of a confidence booster and a marker to work from, how big did that feel tonight?

Brendan Rodgers:  “I think you want to make a good first step. And as I said, we’re coming to a really, really tough place that over the years people know how tough it is to come here and get the result with the crowd and with their confidence.

“But we stood up to that. And that’s always a good sign for your spirit, for your togetherness. And like I say, we have moments where we could maybe have won that game. But it’s a point for us. Nice step. And now we want to maximise our opportunities also at home now. And look forward to that game when it comes next week.”

Q: Just to follow on to that point, Brendan, you’ve got home games and they’ll be important. There’s been talk of fan boycotts, would you hope that’s parked?

Brendan Rodgers:  “Yeah, I really hope so. I think that the lift that the supporters will give the team in these European games would be absolutely critical. And we sensed it here tonight. Our fan base and how fanatical they are can really push us in this competition. So I really hope so. Like I said, I cannot tell the supporters what to do and how to feel. But really, if they can really help us as a team then that would be amazing because we will really feel the benefit of that. A packed-out Celtic Park can really help us over these coming games.”

CELTIC IN THE EIGHTIES by DAVID POTTER – OUT NOW!