Q: We’ve just spoken to Kasper Schmeichel, who said that almost the foundation for the success this season is all about the desire and the hard work. Do you think that’s something that maybe goes unnoticed when you’ve got a squad of so many talented players? As Kasper Schmeichel told us, you’ve worked harder than any other team in the league, and that’s why you’re Champions. Do you think that goes a bit unnoticed?
Brendan Rodgers: “Well, I think people who are in the know understand that anything worthwhile, you have to work hard for, and you have to sacrifice, and what we’ve been able to do is consistently do that. So the mentality in this team, the will in this team, and the will in the staff, because we drive that every single day here, and then you add that together with the talent, then of course you get the results, but those basic principles of will and desire, it’s had a real positive culture that we have here, and that all points to a team that allows you to win.”
Reo Hatate of Celtic celebrates after he scores his team’s third goal during the Scottish Premiership match between Celtic FC and Hibernian FC at Celtic Park on May 10, 2025. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
Q: Speaking about the improvements in the side that have been made over the last 12 months, what do you think are the key areas that you feel the team have really raised their game in?
Brendan Rodgers: “For me, the counter-pressing has been a bit different. It’s always been a part of my philosophy, and I think that as last season went on, that became better and better, and then we could hone in on that over the course of pre-season. So that, along with some of the slight structural tweaks that we make within the team, has given us that platform really to go and show our football, but our pressing has been really good this season, and that counter-pressing, because like I say, when you want to be the team of dominance, it’s not all about the skill, it’s not all about the talent, you have to get the ball back, and that’s always been our mantra. We have maybe 70 per cent of the ball, but the 30 per cent, you have to respect that, and that’s what allows you to have the ball so much, and then from there, we’re very clear on how we play.”
Scottish Premiership. Wednesday 14 May 2025. James Forrest. Aberdeen 1-5 Celtic. Photo Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)
Q: James Forrest is going to bring the trophy and present it to his teammates. How nice a moment will that be for him?
Brendan Rodgers: “It’s great for him. I think he’s long overdue, all the accolades he’s receiving this season, and I’ve seen him the other night, he’s 33 years of age, but he’s still strong on his legs, strong on his running, and he’s always had the quality. So, it’ll be a really lovely touch by the club for him to do that with his family.”
Q: Is he going to hit penalties and free kicks, the lot, to score that goal?
Brendan Rodgers: “I think it’s everything. He was so unlucky, the keeper made a really good save the other night, when he cut inside off his left foot. The one in the second half, he’s dragged the first one in the first half, but he’s always a goal threat, James. He’ll always be there. So, I’m pretty sure over the next couple of games he’ll get the goal, but if he doesn’t, he’s still a wonderful player.”
