We have to fight like hell, run harder and then show our quality
good side, that’s why they have entered the competition at the level they have.
“But I have great confidence in the squad and the team and if we play to our level we are in with a great chance.
“We know we have to score so whether they score first it doesn’t really matter. We know we have to but we’re good enough.
“That’s the mentality going into the game, we’re really positive.”
With that in mind Rodgers faces a big decision over his attack.
Last night’s intimation was French ace Moussa Dembele would not start on his return from a hamstring injury yet the situation could be fluid. Rodgers said: “We’ll assess him. In the last couple of days he’s trained very well. In Sunday’s session he looked great. Fast and dynamic.
“So we’ll have a final look, have a chat with him and see how he feels but I know from himself he’s very keen to be involved.
“It’s always about weighing up the risk but he looks in really good shape. It’d be too much of a risk to play him from the beginning but I’m sure at some point he’ll play.”
Having Dembele at any stage is a bonus yet it’s going to take a collective to see this one through.
After two successful campaigns and group-stage adventures elimination at this stage would be a bitter blow for everyone at the Parkhead club.
Prestige and finances would also take a hit but Rodgers said: “It’s about football.
“The margins are always very close and tight. The consequences are huge but I never afford myself to think about that.
BRENDAN RODGERS
“The story for us is that we want to be in the Champions League. We have to earn the right to get there and it’s more difficult this season but we need to somehow get there.
“For us if we can get through then fantastic and we’d have one more play-off game.
“We know throughout the season we’re going to lose games of football. If you lose games you’re going to take a bit of flack, that’s just the condition of being a manager or player.
“But like I say it’s a great opportunity for us and one we’re ready for.”