“We can win the tie in the first leg,” Rodgers wants to catch Greeks cold

BRENDAN RODGERS is content to play the first leg of the 3rd round of Champions League Qualifiers against AEK Athens at Celtic Park rather than away from home.

The Greeks, in contrast to Rosenborg who were in the middle of their season, are behind Celtic in terms of fitness and Wednesday will be their first competitive match of their season. Rodgers hopes to catch AEK Athens cold and added to that atmosphere created by 60,000 Celtic fans on a big European night, build a lead that can see Celtic through to the fourth round.

Celtic played 8 games in 1966-67 to reach Lisbon for the European Cup Final. In 2018 we have to win the league then play 8 games just to reach the “Champions” League Group stages.

“Lots of people would say ‘first leg away and second leg at home’ but you can win the tie in the first leg, so it’s very important that wherever we play, home or away, we are really aggressive and get that momentum,” Brendan noted.

“Over the last couple of years, we have won a lot of ties in the first leg.

“What’s also been evident is the supporters’ appreciation of where the team is at. I remember when I first came in against Astana there was a different sort of feel.

“We went 1-0 behind against Rosenborg but there’s a confidence now that: ‘Okay we’ve conceded but we have enough here to get something from the game’ and that’s because the players have shown that.”

The fitness angle is something that Rodgers has been focused on since day 1 of pre-season training and it is to his credit that his side were able to take on the Norwegians and yield no advantage to a side already match fit for their season.

“Rosenborg were well into their season, so fitness-wise that was an advantage, no doubt. It’s certainly not an easy task but you have to find a way and so far we are finding ways. The second, third and fourth-round ties could all be the same level in difficulty, so we’ll prepare for another tough game,” the manager noted.

“The east end of Glasgow and 60,000 supporters, Celtic Park is notorious for the noise, the atmosphere and the passion that’s here in Scotland.

“These are the atmospheres we love to play in. But the first leg is at home and we will really concentrate on that.”

About Author

The Celtic Star founder and editor, who has edited numerous Celtic books over the past decade or so including several from Lisbon Lions, Willie Wallace, Tommy Gemmell and Jim Craig. Earliest Celtic memories include a win over East Fife at Celtic Park and the 4-1 League Cup loss to Partick Thistle as a 6 year old. Best game? Easy 4-2, 1979 when Ten Men Won the League. Email editor@thecelticstar.co.uk

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