Rodgers Stresses Urgency for Points in Champions League

Brendan Rodgers, Celtic’s manager, stated that “every Champions League game is like a cup final” for the team as they get ready for their upcoming fourth group stage fixture against RB Leipzig. Celtic, the Scottish champions, have accumulated four points from their initial three matches. In contrast, their opponents for Tuesday’s game have not yet secured any points. Rodgers conveyed that his team is “desperate for more points”. Rodgers reiterated, “Every game for us at this level is a cup final.” He further explained, “I mentioned that right at the beginning of this competition to our players – we have eight finals to see if we can get into that play-off stage.” He acknowledged RB Leipzig’s situation, stating, “They’ve had tough games, they’ll obviously be disappointed with the Juve game where they were at home and they lost a man and lost the game. Of course, you come into this fourth game then they’ll be obviously desperate to get points on the board.” He concluded by saying, “But thankfully we are too and that should mean for a really, really fantastic game.” Celtic secured one of their points through a strong defensive performance in Bergamo. This represented a significantly different strategy compared to their approach in the match against Dortmund. Rodgers expressed that he is gaining valuable insights into his team. Regarding their upcoming opponent, Rodgers commented, “I think RB Leipzig will be no different to Atalanta and Borussia Dortmund.” He described them as “A top team right towards the top of their league, they have everything that you would want in a top European side – speed, strength, power and technique.” He outlined Celtic’s strategy, stating, “We really look to bring our energy to the game but also know that we’ll have to defend for a good period of the game as well and defend with the concentration and commitment that we did in Atalanta.” Rodgers acknowledged the caliber of the competition, saying, “It’s the highest level of European football, so we’re playing against a lot of teams that are superior to us and from superior leagues.” He views this as positive, adding, “So that’s a challenge in itself and is absolutely great. Trying to find ways to gain the results that can bring you to your end point.” He described the Champions League as “an amazing competition to be involved in. You have some games where you have to take your medicine, but I’m pretty sure it’s all learning and it’s no different to probably yourselves.” Drawing an analogy, he continued, “I’m pretty sure you don’t write your scripts first up all the time. I’m sure you draw your line through some pieces of paper and whatever else and we’re exactly the same, where we learn, we hope to be better, improve.”