Brendan Rodgers Pre-Match Press Conference

This is hot off the press! ‼️ As a premium subscriber we can tell you that this is up on here first before any major outlet has posted it. Here is what the manager had to say ahead of a monumental tie against Young Boys.

Full transcript below:

Press Conference Transcript – Brendan Rodgers

Q: Hi Brendan, good afternoon. How are you feeling about the game tomorrow? Is this one you really have to win?

A: “Yes, it’s definitely a game we have to win. I’m really excited about it. The journey so far has been very positive, especially in our home games, so we’re excited by the challenge and looking forward to it.”

Q: Callum McGregor mentioned that Young Boys might approach this game differently compared to other teams in the group. What’s your view on that?

A: “I think you have to respect every team at this level, regardless of their record or circumstances. Young Boys won the Swiss League last season by 12 points, which shows their quality. They’ve had challenges this season, and I believe they’re now on their third manager. But watching their games, they have the athletic ability and quality you’d expect from a team at this level.

However, the focus for us is on ourselves. If we can press, attack, and play with intensity for 90+ minutes in this arena, it can be a special night. But we must respect their qualities—that’s why they’re in this competition.”

Q: With what’s at stake tomorrow night, do you expect some nervousness, perhaps not from the players but from the supporters?

A: “No, that’s up to us to manage. We’ve played some fantastic games here this season, and the supporters have been incredible. It’s important not to treat this game differently just because it’s against Young Boys.

The atmosphere here is always special, and we need to create the same energy and intensity we had in games like the one against Red Bull Leipzig. That’s on us to set the tone on the pitch, play with speed and quality, and get the fans fully behind us.”

Q: The Leipzig game was a high point for Celtic, but the last two European matches have seen fewer chances created. Would that be fair to say?

A: “Yes, I think that’s fair. In the Brugge game, we were second-best in the first half but showed great character and could have won it in the second half. The Dortmund game was more challenging, and we didn’t quite hit our level.

At this stage of the Champions League, you can’t just turn up and dominate every match. That’s the reality. But we’re focused, prepared, and ready to perform tomorrow.”

Q: With this new Champions League format, how does it feel to be on the brink of progression?

A: “It’s a great position to be in. When we started this journey, our aim was to show we could compete at this level and take the next step into the playoff stage.

We’ve worked hard to get to this point, earned our results, and shown a high level of performance. Tomorrow is an opportunity to take a big step forward, and we’re ready for it.”

Q: How do you balance using the incentive of progression to inspire the players while keeping them focused on the game itself?

A: “The players are aware of what’s at stake—they understand the magnitude of the game. But the key is to focus on the performance.

In these situations, it’s about playing the game, not the occasion. The occasion is massive, but we can only achieve what we want by sticking to the levels we’ve shown, especially at home. That’s been our focus in the lead-up to this game.”

Q: Alistair Johnston compared this match to a cup final, where you win and go through. Is that the feeling you want in the stands and on the pitch?

A: “Absolutely. That’s what makes Celtic Park so special. The atmosphere here is unmatched, especially on big European nights.

This competition is deeply connected to the club’s history and culture. It’s built on those iconic games and the incredible support from the fans. Tomorrow is another chance to create that synergy between the players and the supporters, which is so vital.”

Q: What would it mean to you personally to lead Celtic into the knockout stages?

A: “It would be very special. When I returned, I said I wanted to make genuine progress at this level. I never promised success, but I promised we’d give everything to achieve it.

It’s been a long time since this club reached the knockout stages. Previous managers have done excellent work, but we’re in a great position now to take that next step. It would be an incredible achievement for the players, the staff, and the supporters.”

Q: Is the squad fully fit for tomorrow night?

A: “Yes, everyone is ready apart from James Forrest. The rest of the squad is fit and prepared for the game.”

Q: In recent games, you’ve avoided defeat but haven’t secured wins. Do you see a team maturing as a result?

A: “Yes, absolutely. I think we’ve seen real growth, particularly after the Dortmund game, which was a tough night for everyone.

The players responded with maturity and honesty, and you can see that development in their performances. Competing at this level requires consistent improvement, and I believe we’re showing that.”

Q: How do you prepare the team to handle the pressure of a night like this?

A: “It’s about patience, support, and experience. The players have to learn from each moment, whether it’s a difficult defeat or a strong performance like the one against Leipzig.

We’ve worked hard to build that understanding—when to attack, when to defend, and when to manage the game. That comes from analysis, coaching, and most importantly, experiencing it on the pitch. The maturity we’ve shown so far gives us confidence for tomorrow night.”

Q: How important has the atmosphere at Celtic Park been in restoring respect for Celtic at this level?

A: “It’s been massive. This stadium has a history of being one of the most difficult places for opponents to come to, and we’ve shown why this season.

The Leipzig game was a perfect example of that. Everything—the pressing, the creativity, the goals—was exactly what we want to see.

This club’s history is built on success in this competition, and we want to continue that by playing the kind of football that makes our supporters proud.”

Q: A month ago, you mentioned we were in an ultra-marathon period of fixtures. Now, as we near the tail end of that, do you feel the preparation has been ideal, or would you have preferred more recovery time?

A: “Recovery is always welcome, of course, but at this level, you can’t expect it. People don’t want to hear about tiredness; they want results. Naturally, there’s fatigue across players when you consider the volume of games, but we’re ready.

We played well at the weekend, should have been more clinical, but the performance and recovery time since then have been good. There’s never perfect preparation, but we’re ready to go, and the players are focused on the task ahead.”

Q: Kyogo has recently been playing wider at times, and fans have noticed his versatility. Is this something you could see as a major factor in tomorrow’s game?

A: “Kyogo is an exceptional player with flexibility, and while he’s shown he can operate out wide, his best position is as a central striker.

What makes him so important to my team is his pressing, his energy, and his movement, which are ideal for how we play. That said, he came here as a wide player originally, so he has the adaptability if we need it. However, his qualities as a striker—his touch, awareness, and finishing—make him such a vital part of the team centrally.”

Q: Many speak about the atmosphere at Celtic Park. How good has it been to see the team gaining respect again at this level?

A: “It’s crucial. Competing in the Champions League isn’t just about participating; it’s about earning respect.

The Leipzig game was a prime example. Everything about our performance that night—the press, the creativity, the response to going behind—was outstanding. It reminded everyone what this club is capable of at this level.

We want Celtic Park to be a fortress again, and performances like that show we’re on the right path. It’s not just about results but also playing football that’s synonymous with the club’s history.”

Q: What would you say about this team if they progress to the next stage?

A: “I’d say they’ve matured and developed. Progress at this level reflects the actions and consistency we’ve shown.

Since my return, I’ve seen significant development in this team. Getting through would show they can handle the pressure and perform when it matters most. That confidence will only help us grow further, not just this season but in future campaigns as well.

Ultimately, this team expects to perform at this level, and it’s up to us to meet those expectations while taking pride in how far we’ve come.”

Q: If you could imagine the perfect ending to the Champions League group stage, what would it be?

A: “The perfect ending would be making our supporters proud—not just by winning but by the way we play.

When we’re fast, dynamic, and aggressive in our pressing, it’s exactly the kind of football that defines Celtic. If we can bring that tomorrow night, then it will be a special chapter in this campaign.”

Q: How do you work to build that maturity and ability to manage games at this level?

A: “It’s about patience, time, and support. After a tough night like Dortmund, it would’ve been easy to overreact, but that doesn’t help players grow.

Maturity comes from experiences—learning how to read the game, knowing when to push and when to be patient. We’ve shown we can defend at the highest level, as seen in games like Atalanta. Those performances give the team confidence, and with that comes a greater understanding of how to approach these big occasions.”