BREN WARNS BHOYS OF VALENCIA SETBACKS

Celtic boss says Bhoys must learn from RB Leipzig lesson

BRENDAN Rodgers believes his Celtic players can shock Valencia and progress in the Europa League if they remember past lessons and respond to any setback they face over the tie. The manager highlighted this season’s home win over RB Leipzig when, having led for much of the match, conceded a later equaliser which looked as if it would end their European campaign, only to score 14 seconds after the restart through Odsonne Edouard which turned out to be the winning goal. Valencia arrive in Scotland today without star striker Santi Mina who will miss the first leg at least after he picked up an

ankle injury at the weekend. And they’ve discovered new signing, defender, Facundo Roncaglia is suspended for the Europa League last-32 match after appearing to forget a ban handed down to him two years ago, when he was sent off against Manchester United in the semi-final of this competition, which has carried over to this season. Former Arsenal defender Gabriel, a centre-half, is also likely to be absent having sat out of training this week. Valencia sit in eighth place in La Liga and their manager Marcelino admitted this week that his side are exhausted after a hectic schedule. However, Rodgers spoke of his team requiring to be resolute tomorrow night in Glasgow. “Patience is part of the game,” said the Celtic manager. “That’s the understanding of the game. You’re playing against good teams. Valencia have only lost four times all season in one of the biggest leagues in Europe. “It’s about respecting that the opponent is a good side. It’s up to us to ensure we go and deliver a game and an intensity in our game that gives the supporters that hope. “The Leipzig game was a wonderful demonstration of that, where we played really well in the game. We played ever so well but then got pegged back. They scored a goal that we could have defended better but then straight away we go and score. “They’re always tense games because there’s so much on them but they’re really enjoyable games. The players enjoy them, we as staff enjoy them and hopefully the support can enjoy them as well. “You’ve always got to be mindful of the fact, as I always say, a slap in the back is never too far away from a slap on the backside.”