BREN HAILS STRENGTH OF CELTS
BRENDAN RODGERS is convinced Celtic can kickstart another winning run – because there are no “d***heads” in his dressing room.
The Parkhead boss was delighted his side
showed character to beat Partick Thistle in midweek after seeing their 69-match record undefeated charge come crashing down at Tynecastle six days ago.
Rodgers wants his men up and running again and is determined to see off Aberdeen at Celtic Park today and keep the foot down until the winter shutdown after New Year.
He said: “It is all part of the culture we have here. We’re very lucky. We’ve got no d***heads. We are very self-reflective – there is no pointing fingers at anyone.
“We weren’t so good against Hearts. But as I said to the players you are defined on disappointment in your life. As a man and as a team how do you respond and get up from it?
“The players did that on Wednesday. What could have been a very awkward game for us against a stubborn opponent who drew 1-1 with us at home last season went well.
“What was important for our mentality was keeping our clean sheet again. It was a very good response.
“Also it’s about closing off what was an amazing achievement. To go 585 days and 69 games without losing and win four trophies is actually a really good start.
“Your name is now carved in history. So now let’s push on to the next phase.”
Rodgers has warned Aberdeen his side save their best for taking on the Granite City men.
Rodgers said: “I always say to the players the big games are where your big players come into it.
“If you want to class yourself as a big player you need to perform in the big games.
“You need to make a big contribution.
“Players have known that Aberdeen have been up and around it and closest to them. Our performance at Pittodrie was outstanding. We gave away hardly anything in the game.
“With the ball we were absolutely brilliant, created chances and could have scored more goals.
“We will look forward to the game against them. They are always good games.”
Rodgers reckons the Dons have shaken off the instability after Derek McInnes knocked back Rangers and nailed his colours to the Pittodrie mast.
He said: “Derek said it himself it was a factor. It’s gone now. They’ll be happy they’ve won three since.
“Every club wants stability and Derek’s clearly done a great job there.
“I’m sure there was maybe a little bit of insecurity around the club on and off the pitch when it was deemed he might be going.
“But I think he’s made the right choice for himself and the players will respect and respond to it.
“Even before my time up here Aberdeen have really been the team that has been up closest to Celtic.
“Last year they were and they are this time as well.
“There was obviously a choice for Derek to make a number of weeks back and he maybe said himself at the time there was an impact on the team in the couple of games they had against Rangers. But since that they’ve had a good reaction.
“They have shown consistency in three wins.”