Brendan Rodgers’ first few months back on the job have been challenging.

He had the foresight to realize, even before he signed the contract, that he would have to fight to win over the hearts and minds of the supporters who would never forgive him for moving to Leicester City in the first place. That task got a little bit harder when Celtic lost their hold on the first trophy of the season after losing the League Cup to Kilmarnock early in the season, eliminating any possibility of keeping Big Ange’s treble.

The pressure reached almost boiling point when Rodgers was struggling to hold a lead at the top of the Premiership table, and when he witnessed his fierce rivals, the Rangers, celebrating lifting that very trophy at Hampden last month. Therefore, it makes sense that the 50-year-old breathed a sigh of relief when some of the pressure dropped following Saturday’s Old Firm victory. Of course, he’s not quite out of the woods. If Rangers win their next two games, Celtic’s eight-point lead will appear much less significant. However, a potentially dangerous situation has been stabilized—at least for the time being. A victory over St. Mirren will ease tensions even more, allowing Rodgers to maybe wonder why all the commotion during the winter break.

When asked whether there was any truth to the rumors that Celtic was going to collapse, Rodgers responded, “We’re absolutely fine.” “Unfortunately, it’s the noise that follows a Celtics or Rangers team,” he continued. However, I have enough experience to ignore the commotion. I can concentrate on the team’s success and observe how each player is growing and improving. I also see areas where we can improve.

“This squad was assembled at a different time than the previous squad that I assembled upon my arrival. So, with one or two, there may be a slight drop off. I have told the players that their job is to uphold that standard of performance and mindset. It’s my responsibility to lead that, and I will.”

Nevertheless, Rodgers is well aware of the scrutiny he is facing now that it’s his second chance. The Northern Irishman admits he’s trying to win over a more demanding audience now that he first crossed the border in May 2016, when he did so amid a shower of rose petals.

It was never going to be the same as the first time, he declared. When I enter mark II, it is completely different from mark I. That was always going to be the case because the players and the group are different.

“It’s not just the squad that makes a huge difference. The team had won the league when I initially arrived, but they were still eager and focused on winning more. In order to inspire the team and the individuals to continue their hunger, we wanted to win in the best way possible. The players accomplished that over the course of the following two years, and they were outstanding.

“Those players are in a later stage of that cycle. They have completed two years of this. They’ve experienced two years of prosperity. And after two years, you know, things start to change when you’re a Celtic player.

Thus, recalibration is required, which is clearly the reason it takes a little longer. However, you don’t get much time at this club.

Nevertheless, he has gained some of it from Saturday’s 2-1 victory over Rangers. However, Rodgers understands the significance of adding three more points in Paisley to support that victory. All things considered, this does not seem like the right time to start decelerating.

“I have experience warning against that,” he said with a nod. As you can see, there is always room for improvement and room for analysis because no performance is flawless.

But pay attention, it’s crucial that you go into the next game with the same enthusiasm as before, after you’ve won a big one. We are currently playing with a steel and style that I want to see throughout the team.

“We didn’t give away as much against Livingston and Dundee. Then, we didn’t give up much during the game against the Rangers either.

Thus, the ever-important work rate, mindset, and consistency are getting better every day. However, we must incorporate that into each game.

After this match is finished, Rodgers will let his players rest while he takes a cautious approach to the January transfer window. More than just the result of the championship match this season could be decided by what transpires next.

Although Rodgers understands the significance of the upcoming weeks, he also understands the value of giving his current players time to rest and recover before making a major push in May.

“The players will get a little bit of time—they need that,” he stated. They will take a break during which they may spend some time with their families.

“While they’re away, they’ll have some work to do, but it’s a good chance to reset before they go again.” A period of no games precedes our participation in the Scottish Cup. Thus, in that time, we can 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. It is truly unfortunate that there won’t be a winter break in the upcoming season.

“It seems like there are a lot of injuries among players in Britain, especially up north. This is particularly valid when participating in European football.

“Even though the players aren’t robots, it’s decided that they are. However, we will undoubtedly take a break this season to make the most of the opportunity to produce quality work.

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