Rodgers is brave, in a sense. He’s sticking to his guns, no matter the noise. He’s totally sold on the belief that things will turn around soon enough.
What he sees, few others see, but if he’s to be proven right then he needs some encouragement on nights like this. He needs some ammunition to fire at all the sceptics. A combative performance is required.
That type of display becomes all the harder when you note Celtic’s penchant for imploding under pressure, their ruinous habit of conceding goals in bunches.
They conceded the first two in Dortmund in four minutes and conceded two later on in three minutes. It was the continuation of a brutal trend.
They conceded in the 82nd and 85th minute against Lazio in Rome last season.
They conceded in the 60th and 66th minute against Atletico in Madrid.
Postecoglou’s team had this weakness, too. Real Betis. Real Madrid and Leipzig all scored twice in rapid order in games on his watch.
It was also a feature of Rodgers’ first spell. Barcelona scored three times in 10 minutes. PSG scored in the 34th and 40th minute and in the 83rd and 85th minute in one game and in the 22nd and 28th minute and in the 75th and 79th minute in the other.
Salzburg scored twice in six minutes in a Europa League game under Rodgers. Leipzig, again, scored two in four. What chance have you got when that happens?
Celtic do not need to get anything from this game in terms of points – easier matches lie in wait later on – but the restoration of pride after the debacle in Dortmund is a must. For the team and for Rodgers himself.
Rodgers has been a brilliant domestic manager, but in European terms he has been decidedly second-rate at Celtic, the owner of some of the most excruciating losses in the club’s history.
The last marquee European victories were the home and away triumphs against Lazio in 2019. Lennon was in charge.
Celtic need more performances of that ilk and resilience under pressure is part of it. Too often in this type of game they have made it easy for opponents to play against them in critical moments rather than being the nightmare rival that Rodgers wants them to be.
McGregor will be at the heart of it for Celtic. For his sake, onlookers would want him to be the spearhead of a resounding display rather than being the one chasing shadows again. Rodgers says he’s excited. That’s one word for it. There are others.
