Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has squashed claims that his players are frightened to lose against Bayern Munich tomorrow night at Celtic Park in the Champions League.
With Celtic having won three of their four Champions League games at home this season, with the other being a draw against Club Brugge, the Hoops have been impressive at Celtic Park in Europe, no matter the opponent.
Bayern themselves have lost three of their four away games in the Champions League this season, conceding nine goals in that time, they come to Celtic Park far from perfect away from the Allianz.
Vincent Kompany’s side’s poor away form ultimately led to them finishing outside the top 8, resulting in a knockout playoff against Celtic, despite being expected to progress to the next round outright.
Rodgers was quick to point out the confidence his Celtic players have in their abilities, given wins over RB Leipzig, Slovan Bratislava, and Young Boys. The Hoops have stepped up at Celtic Park in Europe this season when it mattered most.
He told CeltsAreHere: “I think what is important for us is that we’re very much alive in the tie going over to Germany. I think that would be the key message for us. We want to go and perform.
“We’re not frightened to lose. That’s not what this is about, this is about going and performing.
“If we can perform well, like we’ve shown in this competition, especially at home, hopefully we can get what we deserve.”
It is undoubtedly Celtic’s biggest test at Celtic Park this season, with the Hoops’ last defeat at home in December 2023 against Hearts.
Rodgers has made Celtic Park a fortress across all competitions, and given Kompany’s relative inexperience as a manager, the Irishman will be hopeful that his wider experience as a coach will give him the advantage tomorrow night.
With Paradise likely to be bouncing before kickoff, it is important that Celtic get the first goal and put Bayern Munich on the back foot from the outset, as that’s when the Hoops play their best football—attacking teams high and pressing aggressively.
