Brendan Fraudgers!

For the few that interpretated my post wrong. What im stating here is that its not in the interest of the Club to emulate to European finals or even success and the excuse is that England dominates transfer markets we can't get there. Its complete and utter nonsense.

 

You're still not coherent.

 

Whats so hard to grasp? We can't get there apparently because of Englands lucrative deals.

 

I can work out what your point is. The actual point isn't hard to grasp. But your sentence makes no sense, with your word choice and order.

 

Sorry for my poorly structural sentences.

 

That was definitely deliberate.

 

How you managed to be so incoherent making that point is beyond me

 

I wouldn't be too sure about that.

 

BR on squad fitness following international break: "We’ll assess over the next few days. Everyone trained well today.

BR: "[Non-internationals] got the chance to recuperate and work on individual things. They had time to recover after a busy schedule.


BR: "@Tom_Rogic got back from Australia this morning and came straight to training to prepare for the Motherwell game

BR: "We've got a block of 7 games before the next international break then November to December we are playing nearly every other day.


BR: "[The busy schedule] comes from our success so we cant complain. The players continue to work hard and will be ready.


BR on @MDembele_10: "He's a top young player, a France Under 21 international who scores goals."



BR: "He (@MDembele_10) performed in England at a young age. He came here keen develop and loves life here. This is the best club for him."



BR on Motherwell: "We are only worried about our next game. We played well against them in the Cup but I’m sure they will make it tough."



BR: "With Celtic, every game is a big game. I have to make sure we go into the next game revved up to work as hard as the last."



BR on #UCL: "We’ll look to Motherwell and then we'll focus on @borussia. That’s all I ever try to do."

 

the managers press Conference today

 

CELTIC return to action this Saturday with a home game against Motherwell following a short break from domestic football over the past couple of weeks.

It’s the first in a series of fixtures for the Hoops before the next round of international games, with a UEFA Champions League tie against Borussia Monchengladbach on Wednesday and the League Cup semi-final next weekend.

And Brendan Rodgers believes that it’s been beneficial for those players not away on duty with their respective countries to have some time to relax ahead of another busy schedule.

Speaking ahead of this Saturday’s Premiership fixture at Celtic Park, the Hoops boss said: “We go into the next block of seven games before the next international break,” he said. “After that, November to December, is very busy. That comes from success so we can’t complain.

“The players work very hard here and will be ready for any games they are needed to play in. Having so many games is because you are successful.

“Our non-international players got the chance to recuperate. Some of them had some time off and some were here working on individual specific items of their game, but it was also important after a busy schedule for them to recover.

“We’ve now had a pretty full-on week this week preparing for the game at the weekend. With Celtic, every game is a big game and we are in competitions we want to do well in.

“For me, it’s just making sure we go into next game revved up to work as hard as the previous games. We’ll focus on Motherwell and then look at Borussia. You can’t cast ahead too far.

“In the Dundee game we weren’t as fresh but that made the result even more impressive. Our opponents in the Champions League all lost that weekend and we went to a tough place not at our best and won.”

 

BR: "It was a very good win on the back of being separated for a couple of weeks."


BR: "We played some great football in the first half, created some chances, but didn't counter-press the game very well."


BR: "Some of our intricate play was good and the quality of our football was outstanding but we could have created more chances.

BR: "In the second half we came out and played the game much better and more often in their half of the field."


BR: "We got two today and arguably could have had a further five or six & importantly we never had a shot on our goal."

BR: "Defensively and collectively they were very good in that aspect."

BR: "We scored a really good first goal and the penalty comes from absolute desire to get there before the keeper."

BR: "Their keeper along the post and the bar saved it from being more."



BR: "But must give credit to Motherwell. Mark & his staff have come here in last couple of times & it's been very difficult for them."

BR: "But they didn't come and play safe. They tried to play and showed good moments but we managed to get the job done.

BR on @kierantierney1 "Everyone respects how committed he is and what he's showing is growing confidence




BR: "What I love about Kieran is that and foremost he's a defender - he's aggressive, he gets up to people, he blocks & tackles

BR: "But he's showing that extra bit of quality now on the ball. His run and dribble was absolutely brilliant. He was excellent again."



BR: "Had to leave @Tom_Rogic out totally, been to Saudi Arabia and then Melbourne and only back Thursday."




BR: "Wanted to see young Liam for a period of time as I think he's a talent & felt he was excellent tactically & physically."


BR on Mikael Lustig and Nir Bitton: "Should train tomorrow with the team, maybe a push too far today & hopefully ready for Wednesday."

 

BRENDAN Rodgers highlighted another diligent defensive display from his team after they cruised to a 2-0 victory over Motherwell in Paradise.

Scott Sinclair’s first-half goal and a late penalty from Moussa Dembele was enough for Celtic to see off the Steelmen and maintain their four-point lead at the top of the table, having played a game less than their closest rivals.

Goalkeeper Craig Samson prevented the Hoops from inflicting further punishment, making a series of superb saves, but there would be no denying the in-form champions as they made it seven wins from eight league games and continued their unbeaten start to the season.

Once again, Celtic produced some stylish football to delight another bumper home crowd, but the manager was also pleased at the protection afforded to Craig Gordon between the sticks.

Speaking after the game, Brendan Rodgers said: “It was a very good win on the back of being separated for a couple of weeks.

“I felt we played some great football in the first-half. We had some chances but I felt we didn’t counter-press very well. That was my feeling at half-time. While some of our intricate play was good, and some of the quality of our football was outstanding, we could have created more chances had we pressed the game a bit better. That was the message at half-time.

“In the second-half we came out and played the game much better and more often in their half of the field. We got two today and arguably we could have had another five or six.

“But most importantly, on top of that, we never had a shot on our goal. Defensively and collectively they were very good in that aspect.

“We got a really good first goal and the penalty comes from absolute desire to get there before the keeper. Between him, the post and their bar it saved it from being more.

“I must give credit to Motherwell. Mark and his staff, in the last couple of times they have come here, it has been very difficult for them. It could have been a bit more today but they didn’t come and play safe. I felt they tried to play and showed good moments in the game, but we were able to get the job done.”

Kieran Tierney turned in another dazzling display to claim the stadium Man of the Match award and he was agonisingly close to finding the back of the net following a wonderful solo run towards the end of the first half.

Having left three men in his wake as he drove in from the left flank, his final attempt crashed off the bar and his efforts sparked a standing ovation from the home support.

The manager said: “Everyone respects how committed he is and what he is showing is the growing confidence in him. What I like about Kieran is that, first and foremost, he’s a defender – he wants to defend, he’s aggressive, he gets up to people, he blocks and tackles.

“He’s fearless in that way, but he’s showing that extra bit of quality on the ball now so he’s getting good experience playing against better players and being more consistent and confident. His run and dribble was absolutely brilliant and it was unfortunate that it never went in.”

Tom Rogic was rested for the match after his gruelling travels when representing Australia during the international break.

Mikael Lustig and Nir Bitton also sat out the game but the Hoops boss expects them to train tomorrow (Sunday) and be in contention for the UEFA Champions League meeting with Borussia Monchengladbach on Wednesday.

He added: “They should train tomorrow with the team. It was maybe a push too far today and they should hopefully be ready for Wednesday.”

 

post match press conference from Brendan


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Brendan Rodgers responding to a question about John Park's possible successor

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BR on tomorrow's game: "It’s the same idea. Our home games were always going to be important for us."


BR: "We hope we can produce the same performance as our last game here but hope we get the right result


BR: "Disappointed we didn’t get the win in the end v @ManCity but performance was pleasing."



BR: "Expect a tough game against a good side who have been building up to where they once were. We’ll be ready for it.


BR on @borussia injuries: "It depends. It’s always an opportunity for someone else. If we have players missing there’s others to step in."



BR: "It’ll be the same for them. They have outstanding players



BR on group ambitions: "We’re not thinking about where we finish at this moment in time. Just looking at next game.


BR: "Know we’re in the most difficult group and this year’s #UCL experience was going to be a huge learning one for us."



BR: "Getting better as each day goes on and this type of occasion will benefit the players.


BR: "We’re here to win and in our home games we want to ensure we get a victory.


BR on @borussia : "They’re a very good side. Watched them over the last couple of years and they have a young coach."


BR: "They play 3-4-3 so offensively they always have numbers around the ball.

BR: "They like to work and press so it should be a good game.

BR: "Tomorrow will be another brilliant game and we have to set the tone for the supporters."


QUESTIONS will be asked of Celtic’s players once again tomorrow night when they take on Borussia Monchengladbach in the UEFA Champions League, but Brendan Rodgers believes his team have no fear in providing answers.

Since taking over as manager in the summer, the Irishman has seen his team tested at home and abroad but each and every time his players have stepped up and answered their opponents and critics.

They responded to defeat in Gibraltar by qualifying for the group stages of the UEFA Champions League, and proved they have the mentality and talent necessary to succeed in the competition by bouncing back from their loss to Barcelona in the first group game to draw 3-3 with Manchester City at home on matchday two.

The challenges are far from over, and tomorrow night represents another stern examination of Celtic’s credentials, but the manager said recent performances and the final training session before the game give him confidence in his team’s ability.

“We have set a lot of standards throughout the season and each time a question is asked of the players they have stepped up – the first game of the season against Hearts, the qualification to get through,” he said.

“Of course to get here, the players were asked questions early on and throughout the league campaign they’ve been asked questions but that’s what football is all about. You set a standard and you try to keep improving on it.

“Today (Tuesday) was probably the best session since I have been here. The actual quality, the tactical idea, the intensity of the players was absolutely first-class. That was the best session I have seen in the particular concept we were doing.

"That’s great news for myself, the staff and the coaches as it tells us they are starting to get comfortable with the ideas we are giving the players and starting to enjoy working with them. I think we can see that on the field but there’s still a long way to go yet.”

The heavy defeat to Barcelona served as a motivator heading into last month's clash with Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City, which propelled the Hoops to a positive performance against the backdrop of a rocking Celtic Park and brought them close to what many considered beforehand to be an unlikely victory against the English side.

That thrilling 3-3 draw has rightly injected supporters with confidence, but the Celtic manager revealed he made sure his players’ expectations were already high before the City game and explained he has done the same for tomorrow’s game against Borussia Monchengladbach.

“There was a lot of criticism that came our way after the Barcelona game and the only way you can overcome that is by performing,” he said. “The Manchester City game demonstrated that the reality is that we are good enough to be in this competition.

“We were disappointed not to win the game. We weren’t just happy with a draw. We had the lead three times and gave two goals away we should have not but the overview, in terms of the performance, was very good.

“Now going into this game there’s a similar expectancy from ourselves. We have to keep pushing. We’re a team that’s very aggressive and we have to maintain these standards and look to improve the standards. That’s my job as head coach and manager to ensure that happens.

“Thankfully I work with a group of players that are very keen to improve. We have a lot of young players who are desperate to be better and desperate to show themselves consistently at this level because that’s what it’s about.

“You have to consistently do it. It’s not just about playing a one-off game. We go into a different challenge against a top side and we have to then rise to the challenge.”

 

Brendan Rodgers interview: The Celtic manager on loving life, staying afloat in the goldfish blow and Glasgow's restaurant scene




BRENDAN RODGERS sat down at a table in the Number Seven suite inside Celtic Park and remarked that this where it had all began which indeed it was.

Back in May, which feels more than five months ago, the Northern Irishman was in the very same room being unveiled as the new manager and would-be saviour by a club he supported but was fairly unfamiliar with.

He didn’t know the players, had only a notion of the pressure, lifestyle and intensity the job brings, and while Rodgers is a confident man, he could not say for sure whether he was going to enjoy being Celtic manager.

Just for the record, he is enjoying it very much.

It is Borussia Moenchengladbach in the Champions League tonight and then Rangers in a League Cup semi-final on Sunday. Frantic but fun would be his mantra. The smile on the man’s face suggested that he is loving all of this and why on earth shouldn’t he given that, at least right now, things could hardly have gone better.

Asked if he was enjoying himself more than he thought he would back in May, Rodgers admitted: “Yes. When you win it helps. It has been brilliant. Everyone talks about the goldfish bowl but I have never found that. Maybe it is my experience of being at Liverpool, and managing a huge club, which has helped me with that.

“It’s just a dream to be here and have the responsibility to deliver. I know what the supporters want here, so I know what it feels like. To have that is a huge honour for me. Along with my staff I work tirelessly. We do not have many days free.

“We are in it at 7.15 in the morning and leaving at six or seven in the evening and then at home we are analysing again into the late hours. There’s a lot of work goes into it. But the professional and social life has been brilliant. I have loved every moment of it.”

Not everyone has found it this easy. The list of managers and players who have felt life in Glasgow is a bit too much when they represent one of the two big clubs is growing even this season. Just not in the east end of the city.

As Rodgers said, winning helps and it would be different had things not clicked into place right away. But they have and it’s a big reason why he already feels at home.

He said: “Listen, every individual is different. I tend to focus on my professional life, family and that’s it. When I can take a break from it I will do. I went away in the last international break I didn’t in the one before that, because sometimes you need to press the re-set button again and think over things in a different setting. It’s been brilliant.

“I understand the expectancy, I understand the pressure of a big club and, like I said, maybe the rollercoaster of the Premier League and all that side of it prepares you well. This is still a huge challenge, it’s a huge club. As you know, there are many nationals and locals (papers) but it is fine."

So does he allow himself any time off at all? Yes but only now and then.

He said: “Players are different. They get up in the morning and come in, they get fed, train, recover and go home. It’s not easy but it is different. As a coach and manager you are preparing sessions, you are worrying about playing good football, you are preparing your travel, you are preparing your monthly schedule for work, and you are worrying about working well. It’s a different life.

“But socially, the moments I do get out, it has been brilliant. I was saying to Charlotte (his partner) the other day, the number of restaurants you have up here is incredible – I never knew the choice. It is incredible. You could eat out somewhere different every night for a whole year. And maybe some of you do!”

As he said this, us fine men of the Fourth Estate felt the need to collectively hold in our bellies.

“You have to be careful because it’s a great life,” he added and right now for Rodgers it's difficult not to feel smug. Not that he is settling because he believes there is so much more to come from this team.

“Are we at the point where if we play well we’ll win? No there’s still a long way to go. My aim here is to build a team with power, with speed, a high level of technical ability and unpredictability in their game, that scores goals, creates many chances and defends strongly. I’ve a way to go in terms of that.

"We’ve made a great start with the players and the few additions we have, but there will come a point where – wherever we are and whatever jungle we are in the world – we’ll be able to impose our style. And I’ll be happy to go to wherever it is and play our way.”

It says much for where Celtic are right now when Leigh Griffiths will start on the bench once again. However, at least the man in front of him is Moussa Dembele who with all due respect is a cut above Chris Martin.

“It’s difficult for the kid at the moment but he has shown a great attitude,” said Rodgers.

“He is coming off the back of 40 goals and started this season great. He then gets injured and his replacement comes in. Unfortunately, his replacement is one of the best young strikers in European football.

“It’s not as if he is being kept out by someone who is not a good player. However hard it is for him, he understands it. He is a great boy. I have loved him from the first time I met him here.”

And with that, Rodgers left after delivering perhaps the most positive press conference in the history of Celtic.

 

He really is a great manager and he has genuine affection for his team

 

There is a real harmony throughout the club just now, everyone in sync. It makes for special nights in Paradise.

Can't wait for tomorrow night.

 

As this is probably the team closest to us in terms of ability (on paper), the next two CL matches will be a great gauge of Rodgers' managerial ability with a slightly limited squad.