Celtic Manager Brendan Rodgers Reflects on 2-0 Win Against Kilmarnock

Speaking to Sportsound, Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers expressed his immense pride in the team’s performance. He noted that the squad successfully managed significant pressure, direct play, and numerous duels. Rodgers highlighted their ability to maintain a clean sheet and demonstrate such effort, particularly following a midweek fixture, while also displaying moments of skill to secure goals. “Obviously we had to deal with a lot of pressure and direct balls, and deal with a lot of duels. But to keep a clean sheet and work that hard, especially after midweek, then show moments of quality to get goals, I’m very proud of the team.” Rodgers further commented on Kilmarnock’s style of play, describing it as a “pressure game.” He emphasized the necessity for his team to exhibit strength, aggression, and spirit, stating that securing the three points was “very pleasing.” “They play a pressure game, and we had to be strong and aggressive and show our spirit and to get the three points is very pleasing.” The manager reflected on the significance of the victory, suggesting that a year prior, the outcome might have differed. He characterized the match as “a real test of some different qualities” that his team successfully navigated, indicating that “the team is in a good place.” “A year ago, that result would maybe have gone the other way, but that was a real test of some different qualities and we came through it so it shows the team is in a good place.” Regarding player Nicolas Kuhn, Rodgers observed his ongoing growth and development. While acknowledging Kuhn’s disappointment over a missed opportunity, Rodgers praised his overall contribution, stating that “his run, touch and finish were sublime.” He also mentioned that improving his goal contributions was a discussed objective, and Kuhn’s performance was “testament to him that he’s done that.” “Nicolas [Kuhn] is growing and developing. He is disappointed with the one he missed, but his run, touch and finish were sublime. Adding numbers to his game is one of the things we talked about and it’s testament to him that he’s done that.”