Brendan Rodgers has made it clear that there will be no excuses from his Celtic side as they prepare for Tuesday night’s Champions League qualifier second leg against Kairat Almaty.
The squad arrived in Kazakhstan on Monday evening after a long-haul journey that included a refuelling stop in Turkey.
While the travel demands have been gruelling, Rodgers was firm in his stance that the trip will not be used as a reason if Celtic fail to progress.
“There’s no excuse for us. Especially when you see how well Kairat worked last week,” Rodgers said to Celtic TV. “So they had the same journey going the other way. So that won’t be an excuse for us.
“We all feel fine. We feel great. We’re on our own time zone. And like I say, we’ll prepare and there’ll be no excuse.”
The tie is finely poised after a frustrating 0-0 draw at Celtic Park, with both teams knowing a single goal could define their European season. The margins couldn’t be slimer for the Bhoys.
Celtic are aiming to become the first Scottish club to win in Kazakhstan and secure their place in the group stages, with a lucrative £40 million prize and momentum for the campaign at stake.
A win, and progression to the UEFA Champions League, could also open the door to more signings for the Hoops. Reports on Tuesday have suggested that Celtic are not out of the race for Calvin Stengs just yet. They may decide to pursue things further with the Feyenord player, but are waiting on the outcome of tomorrow’s match first.
