Brendan Rodgers spoke to Sky Sports Scotland this afternoon ahead of his media conference over at Lennoxtown as he gave his thoughts on the upcoming match against Tony Docherty’s Dundee side. The gaffer is focussed and prepared as we face the last few remaining games in a season which has been up and down, to say the least.
Of course, the big question on everyone’s lips was ‘would Daizen Maeda be back this week’, however, the Irishman was able to confirm that although his Japanese international won’t be available for selection this weekend, that they expect him to play some part in the Scottish Premiership’ title run-in, which is music to the ears of the Hoops masses to have our battery-run winger back.
Rodgers was once again adamant that this team will indeed write their own story for this dramatic finale to the season, and revealed his belief that despite other narratives that have developed, Celtic can only control what is in their hands and right in front of them.
With only five games to go now, it will be a case of grinding out those wins and not looking too far ahead as each passing matchday appears on the calendar now.
The Irishman gave a wry smile when he was quizzed about the Dundee playing surface and asked if it was now ready to rock, in light of the hullabaloo that had developed over these past few weeks; with a certain rival complaining incessantly about the game being postponed, having originally rejected the first available date to replay the fixture, due to the upcoming Glasgow Derby match on 7 April.
Although insisting that he thought it could be doing with a bit of a watering, the former Leicester City boss is looking forward to an interesting game at Dens Park, having previously played Dundee twice at Celtic Park this year, winning 3-0 and 7-1 and on Boxing Day securing a comfortable 3-0 win at Dens Park.
It will be a difficult afternoon for his men but he insists that both he and his players are up for the challenge and enjoying the title race.
Watch the boss talk in more detail about our Dundee trip below…
🍀 “We have a feeling we will see him at some point before the end of the season which is great news for us…”
Brendan Rodgers is confident Daizen Maeda will return before the end of the season.
📺 Dundee vs Celtic, live on Sky. Sun, 3pm. pic.twitter.com/chPw8PI7rp
— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) April 26, 2024
Paul Gillespie
READ THIS…Women’s Scottish Cup, Celtic v theRangers: “I’m very calm because I am so confident in the players,” Elena Sadiku
“…game at Dens Park, as he’s not had the opportunity to go there this season, having previously played Dundee twice at Celtic Park this year, winning 3-0 and 7-1 during the last two encounters.”
We won 3-0 in Dundee in December 26/12/23
Sorted. Paul G will be kicking himself about that one. Thanks for the heads up!