Brendan Rodgers has responded to praise from St. Johnstone manager Simo Valakari about his Celtic team.
The Hoops put the Perth side to the sword in a convincing 4-0 win on Sunday, thanks to goals from Nicolas Kuhn, Kyogo Furuhashi, and Daizen Maeda.
It was a routine day at the office for the Bhoys, who extended their lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership thanks to their own victory and Rangers’ 2-2 draw with Motherwell at Fir Park.
Rodgers’ men now sit 14 points clear at the table’s summit ahead of a hotly anticipated trip to Ibrox this Thursday.
Celtic have received vast plaudits for their sensational start to the season, and St. Johnstone boss Valakari was the latest to heap praise on them.
Speaking after yesterday’s match, the Finn explained how the Hoops didn’t let the Saints breathe, constantly pressuring them for the full 90. Rodgers was asked about such comments in his post-match press conference yesterday: “That is what I demand,” he said (The Celtic Way).
“It’s something that is very, very important for us. People will always look at the attacking aspect of the game but the balance in that all comes firstly from your defensive organisation, how synchronized you are to go and press the game.
“If you don’t press the game well against St. Johnstone, I’ve seen them often enough that they can play through you.”
The Irishman refuses to let any hint of complacency creep into Celtic’s play. No matter the opposition, he takes them seriously and ensures his side are primed for the challenge.
That will be the case once more in a few days when the champions make the short jaunt across the city to Ibrox.
Victory would send the Hoops 17 points clear, a gap that would be undoubtedly insurmountable for Rangers.
