Brendan Rodgers points out that Celtic’s season is truly coming alive as they extend their lead in the title race. The Hoops boss witnessed his squad move four points clear at the summit of the Premiership following a convincing 3-0 victory over St Mirren. Up next is a crucial Scottish Cup semi-final clash against Aberdeen at Hampden this Saturday, and Rodgers is confident that his team is hitting their stride just at the right moment with silverware on the line.
Celebrating goals from Reo Hatate, Kyogo Furuhashi, and Adam Idah that saw off St Mirren at Parkhead, Rodgers expressed his excitement for the upcoming fixtures, stating, “We are exactly where we need to be. The fate of the title is in our grasp. I eagerly anticipate this period because it’s when Celtic truly shines. With five matches remaining and trophies to claim, including the Scottish Cup, we are prepared to take on any challenge. I prefer leading the pack with points in hand.”
Rodgers continued, emphasizing the importance of their recent win at Ibrox and the resilient performance displayed by his team. “We had to exhibit toughness, endure pressure, and show determination in a difficult environment. This experience augurs well for us as we head towards the season finale. We are aware of our ability to play our brand of football at pace, score goals, and exhibit resilience, crucial attributes for our campaign.”
Praising the resurgence of Japanese midfielder Reo Hatate, who has bounced back from a lengthy injury spell, Rodgers highlighted his significance for the team in the crucial closing games. “Reo will play a vital role in the final stretch. We have carefully managed his recovery, and his stellar showing at Ibrox was a testament to his quality. His goal today boosts his confidence, and he remains a key figure for us.”
Looking ahead, Rodgers acknowledged the contributions of other returning players such as Cameron Carter-Vickers and the strengthening of their bench options, hinting at a squad ready to make an impact in crucial moments. However, there was a somber note as Rodgers confirmed that Daizen Maeda is set to miss the remainder of the season due to a hamstring injury.
Concluding on a positive note after the win over St Mirren, Rodgers applauded his team’s second-half performance and acknowledged the challenge posed by Stephen Robinson’s side. With their eyes firmly set on securing silverware, Celtic under Rodgers seem poised to make a strong finish to the season.
“In the initial half, we could’ve linked the game more effectively. We needed to maintain composure, and in the latter half, our performance was commendable.
“After netting the first goal, all the players synchronized well, thereby setting the stage for us.
“The fans remained supportive and reaped the benefits. We scored three exceptional goals of varying styles, and also generated more opportunities that might have led to a larger victory margin.
“Regrettably, I have doubts about Daizen making another appearance this season; it’s unlikely he’ll be prominently featured. The timeframe for his return is quite limited now.”