Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has hailed Saturday’s win over Hearts as a ‘great Celtic day’. The Scottish Champions were utterly dominant and won 3-0 thanks to goals from Kyogo and Matt O’Riley but the overall feeling at Celtic Park was immense – especially ahead of next weekend’s Glasgow Derby.
Speaking to the media conference (via Glasgow Times) after the game, Rodgers was delighted with what he saw from his team.
“I thought it was fantastic in terms of performance, result and the game. Great feeling in the stadium. I thought we played very well, aggressive – apart from the first five minutes which I didn’t like, we were giving away throw ins from our own corners.
“But then we settled in, got the ball moving and the place comes alive. I was really, really pleased. These are big games at this time of the season so you want big contributions from your best players and I thought our top players were great.
“We looked like a proper team today. Players back, competition, players working their way back. You see that one run from Callum (McGregor), that was enough for me – I know he is ready.
“Hearts have done really well. Steven (Naismith) has organised his team well and for a wee while our pressing was not aggressive against their back three. If you give players time to play then they can play but we started to press it better and once we were able to solidify at half time, I thought we were a lot better and looked a dominant team.
“It is such an important point of the season, I have always said it, the team is an extension of the supporters and when that concentration is on the football, and everyone is focused you see the power Celtic has.
“The energy rolled from the stands down onto the field and hopefully the fans were happy with that.
“I will tell we are champions if and when it happens. In the meantime, we won’t get too carried away. We will stay calm recover, get our team ready and then next week will be incredible.
“The atmosphere here… and a big chance to add more pressure.”
“The quality of the goals, the composure, the penalty, we had other chances to score. It felt like a great Celtic day today.”
Celtic were utterly dominant throughout the game and the support fed off the intensity. Every tackle was cheered and celebrated as the relentless pressure continued on the visitors.
Rangers face Kilmarnock at Ibrox on Sunday before the teams meet next Sunday. The meeting with Philippe Clement’s team is a must win for Rangers but Celtic can afford a draw against their bitter rivals.
With the level of performance against Hearts from both players and supporters, the manager will be hoping that three points next weekend can help push Celtic towards a third successive title.
