Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Rodgers: We are looking to go unbeaten next season!
BRENDAN RODGERS hailed his unbreakable Invincibles – then vowed to have another crack at achieving the incredible feat again next season. The Celtic boss was thrilled to lift the Premiership trophy in style after his Hoops disposed of Hearts to complete the first unbeaten league campaign for more than a century. Rodgers insisted the incredible run to the title was the prefect way to pay tribute to the Lisbon Lions in the 50th anniversary of the club’s greatest ever triumph in the European Cup final. The Parkhead gaffer was delighted his class of 2017 could pen their place in the record books as they set new standards with their 106 points tally and 106 goals which both shattered previous bests under Martin O’neill in 2003-04. Rodgers said: “I’m not so sure it will happen again in my lifetime. You just need to look at when it was done before – in the 1890s and it was only an 18 game season. “This is a 38-game season and with so many variables in football, that’s what makes it a brilliant achievement. “Whether it will be done again, it’s out there for everyone to have a go at. “We’ll have a go at it again next year. “It is very fitting that the team could honour the Lisbon Lions’ 50th anniversary by playing in a way which is synonymous with that great Celtic team. That’s important. “My ambition is for the club. From a personal perspective, I’m proud that in two of my last three seasons as a manager, my teams have scored over 100 goals. “I’m proud that my idea and philosophy in terms of attacking with aggression and entertaining supporters is followed through. I wouldn’t want to do that anywhere more special than here. “It’s an incredible club and a special feeling I have here, being a supporter. It doesn’t take away from the professional aspect of the job and how much is focused on our vision which is to win titles and play with a charisma and quality which makes the supporters proud.” Rodgers insisted no one should undervalue going through a season with 34 wins and just four draws out of 38 matches. He said: “When you look at the past, when it
It is very fitting the team could honour the 50th anniversary of the Lions like this
was last done in the 1890s, it tells you the difficulty of achieving that. “It’s a monumental achievement by the players. What is lost among all the records set is the real dedication to excellence the they have shown since I’ve come in, in their lives how they have worked hard every day. “It is a remarkable achievement for this football club and for the players who have inscribed their names into the history of this incredible club now. “It’s something for their kids and grandkids to be proud of. It is a special achievement. “We had to work hard to win the game and beat the goals and wins records - it’s a truly fantastic day.” Rodgers enjoyed getting his hands on the Premiership trophy but he preferred to hail his players rather than bask in personal glory. He said: “When I’m long gone that’s when I will look at it. The job is too big to allow too much self-praise.”