The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Rodgers calls on Hoops to ‘show their qualities’
Celtic boss wary of Heynckes effect as he rallies his side ahead of Munich clash
Rodgers continued: “That is something that we will have to cope with.
“There were a couple of results that didn’t go the way they wanted to. They were 2-0 up in two games, home and away, and got pegged back.
“Obviously the new manager came in for his first game at the weekend.
“He is someone who is respected throughout the club and a lot of players here know him very well, they know how he works.
“Sometimes you get that effect. How long it lasts, time will tell. But for us, however that effect is, we respect that we are playing against some fantastic players.
“No matter how your league form is, this is a competition that you want to do well in. So I think they will be motivated, they will want to press the game and show their qualities.
“We need to be resilient but we know that we can come away from home, play football and score goals and that is our intention.”
Rodgers will have to reshuffle his back-line once again and although he bemoaned the loss of Simunovic, he welcomed the return of Brown and Armstrong.
The Northern Irishman said: “Jozo came back into the team after being injured and performed exceptionally well and you always want your top players available.
“But he had a slight reaction to the injury he had before and unfortunately he is not available. Obviously we are waiting on the MRI results so we are hoping it is not going to be (long term).
“He felt a twinge in training the other day so we just need to wait and see.
“It is a huge boost for us (to have Brown and Armstrong available). Both players have different qualities. Scott has real leadership qualities and ever since my time here, he has performed.
“He is a big-game player so he will impose his way of playing and that is always a big inspiration for the team.
“Stuart is a player who has grown at this level, he has good mobility and a goal threat.
“So it is good to have both those players available and it makes our squad a bit stronger.”
Heynckes meanwhile insists Bayern will not underestimate the Scottish champions as they look to kill off the Hoops’ dreams of the Champions League last 16.
The veteran boss – who has twice won the competition as a boss and is now back for his fourth stint in charge of Bayern – is taking nothing granted as he looks to get Munich back on track.
Speaking at his final press conference ahead of the Allianz Arena showdown, the 72-year-old said: “You can always lose a game in the Champions League, but FC Bayern have great ambitions. You cannot make the mistake of underestimating Celtic.
“They’ve won the league in Scotland six years in a row and last season drew with Borussia Monchengladbach and Manchester City in the group stages. They have a very good coach.
“They’re powerful and aggressive. They’re a very competitive team, so we need to be prepared.”
Munich will be without two of their biggest stars, with keeper Manuel Neuer and French wideman Franck Ribery out long-term.
Heynckes’ options have been further limited after Spanish midfielder Javi Martinez suffered a shoulder injury at the weekend but former Juventus playmaker Arturo Vidal will be fit.