Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has emphasised, yet again, the need for “quality” squad reinforcements following the team’s conclusion of their Champions League Group E campaign.
The Hoops secured a long-awaited victory in the competition, defeating Feyenoord 2-1, a result that Rodgers believes underscores the potential for future success with additional quality players. It was the first win in the competition since 2017, and the first home win since 2013.
The win, marked by Gustaf Lagerbielke’s dramatic stoppage-time header, ended a significant wait for a Champions League victory and sparked jubilation among fans and players alike.
Despite the match being labelled a ‘dead-rubber’, both teams showed a strong desire to win, with Luis Palma’s penalty and Yankuba Minteh’s equalizer setting the stage for Lagerbielke’s decisive goal.
Feyenoord clearly were playing for the win, rushing back to the centre circle following their equaliser and has the goalie up for the corner kick.
Rodgers expressed his satisfaction with the victory, which he described as lifting a “monkey off their back.” However, he was quick to point out the necessity for strengthening the squad to enhance Celtic’s prospects in future European competitions.
He said, “We’ve known it has been a challenge with key players being out but I’ve seen enough over the course in how we’ve played and fought that if we can strengthen this squad, add quality in key areas, we can take the confidence from this victory and look to qualify next year and see if we can push on,” quoted by Football Scotland.
“You have to have certain qualities to perform at this level. Yeah, there’s no getting away from it, you have to have a deeper squad of quality to compete at this level. I said before the game whether we win, lose or draw this is a level that can dent confidence. But when you finish you’ll be better players for it and you’ll gain valuable experience. And you’re still really good players that with some help you’ll improve.
“The players showed they’ve learned from the process this year as we’ve seen games over the years where the equaliser comes and the other team goes on to get the winner. We’ve got to tip the hat to the players because the mentality in the game was very good. Some people might’ve thought this was a nothing game but the reality is this meant everything to us. They thoroughly deserved it and put so much into the game and it feels good to get the win.”
