Q: We’ve seen lots of contentious decisions since VAR came in. Is that up there with the worst that you’ve seen, given the context of where it was and in the game itself? The way the game has switched at that point?
Brendan Rodgers: “I think the whole nature of VAR is supposedly to help and support the officials on the field. I think when it happened, I didn’t think it was a handball.
But it’s only really when you see the clarity on the images that it doesn’t even go, with the greatest respect, even near to it. It’s clearly come up and whether it’s in real time or slowed down, it’s hit his face and he’s away. And that’s for me what VAR is about, to correct the wrong decision. So yes, it’s a wee bit baffling that he wasn’t even asked to come over and look at the screen.”
Kasper Schmeichel during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 League Phase MD2 match between Celtic FC and SC Braga at Celtic Park on October 02, 2025. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
Q: Also, just getting back to Kasper as well. There were a few moments with his distribution that was a bit off tonight as well. Is that a growing concern this season, in terms of his position?
Brendan Rodgers: “I think the rhythm of the team isn’t quite there, of course. And then, I think what is important, you make a mistake in the game, which all players can do, that you don’t follow that up with another two or three. Kasper’s made some great saves for us. I think there’ll be a couple of ones that we’ll analyse with him and look to correct. But yes, it’s where we’re at. He’s a fantastic goalkeeper and has been since he’s come in.”
Colby Donovan in action during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 League Phase MD2 match between Celtic FC and SC Braga at Celtic Park on October 02, 2025. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
Q: Just on Colby coming off at the break tonight, was that a tactical decision or was that to do with his performance?
Brendan Rodgers: “No, no, just purely tactical. I think the young boy’s been great since he’s come into the team. I wanted to go to a back three and bring the wing back into midfield to give us that box to match their four-versus-four. It was more a tactical change just to give the team a different structure.”
Q: Is that system something you could implement going forward in games?
Brendan Rodgers:“Yes, yes. I did it when I was first here. I’ve never had to change the structure so much since I’ve been here. Purely because we’re having the ball a lot, we’re dominating a lot. There’s no doubt when the game needs it. It’s something I’ve always done. The style will always be the same. We always want to play and attack the game. The structure can change. I thought the second half worked for us to a certain extent. The players were flexible enough to do that. We may look at that again.”
Q: Just more generally, about eight months ago that night in Munich, you were so excited at that. The prospect of Celtic doing well in the Champions League. How frustrating is it now, eight months down the line, to be sitting here with one point from two Europa League matches?
Brendan Rodgers: “Clearly, it clearly is. But we can’t look back. Especially in my position, it’s something that I don’t want to turn this into all sorts of frustration. I have to remain focused on the players that we do have and maximise what I can get from the team. That’s my only focus really.”
Q: Just a couple of questions on Motherwell. Your thoughts on their start to the season? And just how big a challenge that will be off the back of this match?
Brendan Rodgers: “They’ve started well, unbeaten in the league, I believe. I think any game, whether it is home or away, after a European game is always a challenge. We have to make sure our energy and attitude is right in the game. Which we’ll do in the next couple of days.”
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Kasper had a bad night both with the goal and distribution. Time for a rest.
In my opinion the bigger problem however is Calmac.
A great player in decline and no wonder with the miles in his legs.
His brain and legs no longer working in tandem.
Rest of the team rely on him to provide the spark and continually seek to play through him.
Time to re evaluate the system and give the younger midfielders a chance to show their true worth.
Treble still there to be won with a few tweaks.
Hail Hail
He could start with playing football you know that game that;s been played all over the world , ffs stop the recycle the ball pish and the sideways back the way football ,he’s the only loser in europe to play that crap and still thinks he’s a winner
Could also allow players to play football express themsels ,do what they want not this pish of trying to walk it into the net , 520 passes last night ,,,,,yeah great , Braga had 312 and scored 2 goals ,,,,,really eassy to figure out whats wrong , were the only team in europe to make 9 passes to gain 2ft and go back 1ft
He turned a team of winners into dregs , the managers the problem the footballs shite to watch , must be even more mind numbing playing it
I agree with Kelly the manager decides the way the team play. He is probably leaving at end of season which is a good thing . He moans about not having the quality thats pish. He wanted 2 wingers which he got 1 is ok no sign of the other. Ben doak was let go and now ends up a £20 million plus player at Bournmouth so does Rogers really know what he is doing . He has spent a small fortune during is tenure so this sack the board is in my opinion nonsense, players he as signed Engals Trusty Idah Lagerbecke Nawrocki the 2 recent japanese players the kid from man city and none of them played before being shipped out or dropped all is signings ,and is record in europe is the worst of any Celtic manager