Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers has downplayed the significance of the groans he heard at Parkhead in Sunday’s match against St. Mirren.
The Hoops cantered to a 3-0 victory thanks to goals from Nicolas Kuhn and Auston Trusty, although the manager was scathing in his words after the match.
Indeed, Rodgers pointed out how the crowd getting onto the team after a backpass ‘cannot happen’. Today, however, he backtracked on such comments.
Ahead of tomorrow evening’s match against Dundee United, the Irishman faced the media at Lennoxtown this afternoon.
Rodgers hailed the support the Celtic fans give his side and downplayed the significance of their groans, despite his prior criticism: “I repeat, the players get amazing energy from Celtic Park,” he said (Celtic FC on YouTube).
“I have said it so often, especially this season, we love playing at home. We love being there, so it is not a big issue at all. It is just an observation from a moment in the game.
“We move on and we and the players will get an incredible support, as we always do.”
Although he retracted his previous comments, Rodgers urged supporters to see the bigger picture and why Celtic might not be at their intense, free-flowing best every single game, especially at the current point in the season.
The Bhoys are amidst a plethora of games, and they have nine matches throughout January alone.
Usually, there is a winter break at this stage of the season. However, the expansion of the UEFA Champions and Europa Leagues has meant that isn’t the case this time around.
As a result, Rodgers’ men need to negotiate several difficult fixtures at a time of year when traditionally, conditions for playing football are as bad as can be: “I am not going to tell people what to think, but like I said, for me it is just that bigger picture around this period of games in particular,” said the Celtic boss.
“Pitches are a wee bit lumpier than what they normally would be and the game may be a little bit slower than what it can normally be. So that is not always the fault of the players, that is just sometimes how it is.”
Despite expected sub-zero temperatures at Celtic Park tomorrow night, Rodgers will hope his side can make it back-to-back wins and extend their lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership to 16 points until Thursday at least.
