Rodgers hopes rest will revive weary Celtic
CELTIC manager Brendan Rodgers admitted his side are looking forward to a break after being held to a goalless draw by Rangers in the Old Firm derby on Saturday.
The champions dominated the first half at Celtic Park but looked off the pace in the second period as Rangers striker Alfredo Morelos spurned two gilt-edged chances to give his side their first Old Firm league victory since 2012.
Celtic sit eight points clear of Aber- deen, who played out a goalless draw with Hearts, at the top of the Scottish Premiership as the league shuts down for a three-week winter break.
Rodgers acknowledged his side will be glad of the rest after suffering two defeats and two draws in nine matches in December.
“I think the players need that recovery and rest. Up here we virtually play backto-back seasons so there’s no real rest,” said the Northern Irishman, whose side failed to score at home for the first time since March 2016. Their season began in the Champions League second qualifying round on July 14.
“We were playing our 38th competitive game and our ninth game in the month. It was a real taxing period for the players, both mentally and physically. But I can only give credit to my players. We showed a different side today. We weren’t quite as bright but it’s only natural.”
Rangers manager Graeme Murty revealed some angry words in the dressing room at half-time inspired his side to a superb second-half showing as they claimed only their second point against Celtic since their return to the top flight in 2016.
“There were some frank exchanges of views among the players to try and improve and that energy took them out into the second half,” Murty said.
“I made sure as they walked out on the football pitch no negativity was to be tolerated – in body language or to one another.”