Rodgers demands perfect pitch
BRENDAN RODGERS has told Celtic bosses to rip up the Parkhead pitch after watching his side score a 2-0 success over Motherwell.
The Celtic manager wants a ‘Desso’ hybrid grass pitch laid at the home of the champions this summer to ensure his team plays in the slick manner he saw earlier in the season.
A Moussa Dembele penalty and strike from James Forrest saw Celtic saunter to a 20th consecutive Ladbrokes Premiership victory and open up a 27-point gap to Aberdeen.
Perfectionist Rodgers believes his men will only be able to up the level of entertainment and quality of football in home matches if the current playing surface is replaced.
‘It is a concern,’ said Rodgers. ‘When we’re trying to entertain fans and play a high level of game, the pitch is vital. We will get it sorted.
‘Hopefully, the pitch could go down in the summer. That’s what we should do. It’s an old pitch here, so we need to modernise the field. We go away to some grounds and play better because the pitch is better. This here slows us down.’
When asked if he had requested a new surface, Rodgers said: ‘Yes. We need a Desso.
‘I thought the players did remarkably well, considering the level of the pitch. Some of our football was very good on what, although it might not look it, is a very, very difficult field.
‘Motherwell did well after losing seven goals. But we didn’t penetrate enough. We could have had two or three more.’
Rodgers went on to dismiss a link with Rennes goalkeeper Benoit Costil, adding: ‘Tell me why I’d want the Rennes goalkeeper when I have Craig Gordon who is sweeper-keeper, top class.’