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What Brendan Rodgers told Celtic stars to get them up for Killie battle as boss readies troops for an ULTRAMARATHON
Celtic are used to being Premiership pace setters – but Brendan Rodgers has warned his squad to get ready for the long slog.
The Hoops made sure they went into the international break at the top of the league after digging out victory at Rugby Park yesterday. Celts have sprinted out of the blocks this season with 10 wins and a draw in 11 games in the Premiership, while sealing their spot in the Premier Sports Cup Final and sitting pretty in the Champions League. But Rodgers insisted this is no time to start coasting – as the next chunk of the campaign is where the going gets really tough.
Celts face a gruelling spell fighting on several fronts – averaging a game every four days from next week until February. But the Celtic boss is convinced his men are ready to put the foot down for the ULTRAMARATHON ahead. Rodgers said: “I think we're in a really good place.
"I said to the players before the game that in life it's really all about staying on your path. And sometimes that can be difficult but by staying on it you get your rewards in the end. I think this team is just consistently staying on the path, learning, developing and improving and playing some amazing football. But also having the dig in the bite that you need to keep clean sheets.
“So I think we're in a really good place. We obviously have a little break now. “We come back to the absolute ultramarathon spell where every single player will be needed. But it's so exciting. I think it is an ultramarathon. Just look at the games now between now and February.
“There's no rest. There's no breather. But we're fit and ready for it. We'll keep working, keep developing the players. I think that's what's key. The games are great and the wins and everything but it's developing the individual player because I always say it's the individual to get better. And then by consequence the team improves. So we'll keep working at that. Lots of the players are going to get lots of game time over the course of the coming months and we will need it.”
Rodgers didn’t attempt to sugar coat the win at Rugby Park. Celtic might have been sizzling against Aberdeen at Hampden last week and lit up Parkhead in the win over RB Leipzig. But it was a sleeves up job against a Kilmarnock team that chucked the kitchen sink at them.
Celts survived to remain unbeaten and the manager admitted his men have been at full pelt so far this term. Rodgers said: “It's a great spell. I think everything from the adversity from last year, you've got to get through that, which we did do. And then we can settle and progress and develop. But I've seen it really from the first day of pre-season.
“I've seen it all map out. But the key thing as the manager is always to make sure that inner voice in the team is strong. And the players then get on to the pitch, they're there to learn and develop and then just continue with that sequence. Because it's not just about one or two games, it's that consistency.
“So I think the players have been absolutely amazing. What physically they've given to games, how they're coping with games and getting the results ultimately. We're performing to a really high level. And then against Kilmarnock, like I said, we had to show a different side. It's a great group to work with but it's still early. We've still got a lot of work to go.”
It was certainly hard graft in Ayrshire. Defeat was tough on Killie and Celtic had to dig deep. They also had to rely on their goalkeeper, with Kasper Schmeichel making a string of superb saves to break home hearts.
The Denmark no.1 insisted it was vital to prove there would be no Champions League hangover following the heights of the Leipzig win. Schmeichel said: “It's always going to be difficult coming away on the back of a semi-final and the Champions League.
“So, I think this was, for us, a big measuring stick of how far we've come. Because, you know, it's a tough pitch, it's a difficult game. You know what they're going to bring. So, to come away with a win and a clean sheet is even better. I mean, with all due respect, anyone can get themselves up for a Champions League game. But coming away from home on a difficult afternoon, on difficult pitch up against an opponent that wants to pressure you, wants to be very, very physical, can you stand up to it? I thought we did really well.”
Schmeichel did his bit at the back and it was captain Callum McGregor who got Celts on their way – even if there was a hint of luck about his opener. The skipper was trying to pick out Adam Idah but his pass curled into the far corner to set up another three points.
McGregor admitted: “It was probably more of a cross. The big man made a nice little action when he pulled off and I just tried to stick it on his toe. As soon as I hit it, I thought it had a bit of a chance. If he didn't get it, then it might bounce in. On the Astro as well, the bounce is difficult for the goalkeeper.
“So it was just nice to see it go in. Whether it was me or Adam, the squad, it didn't really matter. It's just about the team. and again another three points, which is excellent.”
