BRENDAN RODGERS is cognizant of the threat that St. Mirren, their opponents tonight, poses.
Before taking a well-earned holiday, the champions have one more match to go. On Sunday, January 21, they will play in the Scottish Cup against the Highland team Buckie Thistle at Parkhead.
This evening, Stephen Robinson’s team is expected in Paisley. Rodgers is well-remembered from the inaugural Premiership encounter between the Saints and the hosts in the east end of Glasgow at the beginning of November, when the hosts had to overcome a goal deficit to win 2-1, with Oh Hyeon-gyu scoring the game’s winning goal in the 83rd minute.
Rodgers will also be aware that the Hoops lost two points in a 2-2 home draw on May 20, which was, admittedly, a fortnight after winning their eleventh title in twelve years, and that they faltered in the same venue last season.
CHOICES, CHOICES…Brendan Rodgers has a lot to reflect about after winning the derby.
The players are ready to start again with the first revolution of the ball in 2024 against fifth-place Saints after winning 2-1 at home against Ibrox opposition to close out 2023.
“We played them earlier in the season and we had a tough game against them – Stephen always sets up his teams really well,” the Celtics manager stated.
We’ll most likely be playing against a 5-4-1 or 5-3-2, so we’ll need to probe and play quickly, just like we did against Livingston and Dundee. However, we are desperate to end this phase on a high note.
“We went out and performed even though Rangers had the entire week to prepare and plan and we had a midweek game.” This time around it won’t be any different.
“On Sunday, we returned and resumed our recuperation, training, and preparation of our plan, which requires supporting evidence.” That is the crucial factor.
WHISTLE DURING WORKDAYSBrendan Rodgers tries to get one of his players to look at him.
Age-old crocks For the derby, Rodgers’ matchday squad comprised Liel Abada and Reo Hatate; the Israeli winger made an appearance in the 83rd minute.
The important Japanese international playmaker stayed in the stand-by squad. He and Daizen Maeda will be traveling to the Asian Games at the middle of the month.
Speaking on the team website, the Hoops coach reaffirmed that he will not place any pressure on any player, saying, “At this point in the season, you’re looking at physical condition and what the players can bring.”
“I’m not rushing those two at all. They were happy to be engaged; Liel received his minutes on Saturday because he is a little bit ahead of Reo.
“I don’t need to rush them; we have one more game left and then some time to get them up to speed.”
THAT’S MY BELOVED…At full time, Brendan Rodgers gives Liel Abada a particular hug.
“The players will get a little bit of time – they need that,” Rodgers continued, hoping to make the most of the upcoming three weeks. They will take a break during which they may spend some time with their family.
“While they’re away, they’ll have some work to do, but it’s a good chance to regroup before returning.” A period of no games precedes our participation in the Scottish Cup. Thus, in that time, we may accomplish a lot of work.
“Hopefully, a few of the injured players will return, and we may even get one or two new ones in.” After that, we continue for the remainder of the season.
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