Brendan Rodgers has responded to criticism aimed at Celtic’s approach during their 0-0 draw with Rangers, denying any suggestion that his team deliberately set out to play negative or overly cautious football.
Rodgers, however, insists that was never part of the plan and believes the performance was shaped more by a lack of confidence in the final third.
With several key attacking players unavailable and transfer business still to be concluded, Rodgers acknowledged that Celtic’s attacking threat has been lacking in recent weeks. But he rejected the idea that the team’s setup was designed to sit back or contain.
Rodgers made it clear that his expectations for how a Celtic side should play remain unchanged—regardless of the venue.
He said: (TCW), “Of course, we’re missing some players, but in the meantime, when you feel that your top end of the pitch and your front players can get you goals, then you get the ball through nice and quickly and that speed of it.
“That wasn’t quite today. We were a bit safe and playing it sideways or backwards, and that’s not our idea of football.
“I don’t think you go into a game as a Celtic manager and say, ‘right, pass the ball sideways or backwards’.
“It’s never been a plan for any offensive team or club. So no, it definitely wasn’t the plan.”
Rodgers’ comments show he’s frustrated by claims that Celtic went into the Ibrox game with a cautious mindset. He feels the lack of attacking quality came down to poor execution and low confidence, not the gameplan.
His attention now turns to the final hours of the transfer window, with new signings needed to add speed and creativity to the team.
Rodgers believes that with the right players, Celtic will get back to playing the attacking football he wants to see.
For now, he’s made it clear that playing safe and sideways isn’t part of his plan.
