Paulo Bernardo is beginning to turn this into a joyful habit.
After having a bit of a rough start to the season after joining from Benfica, Celtic’s Portuguese loanee is now securing a spot in Brendan Rodgers’ midfield after three goals in his previous four games. With a brilliant chipping goal to end Buckie Thistle’s valiant struggle and convert a David vs. Goliath fourth round Scottish Cup encounter into a sure rout, Bernardo was back to his best. Earlier in the campaign, Bernardo did appear to have wandered into the wrong movie theater in Glasgow’s east end for an extended period of time.
However, a string of candid talks with head coach Aaron Rodgers has enabled him to become acclimated to the team in time for the major push towards a possible domestic double in May. What follows from there is yet unknown. Following the game yesterday, he was questioned about if he saw himself playing for Scotland’s champions in the long run or, at the absolute least, if he intended to stay in the nation after the summer.
However, he seems unusually silent about his next move in his career for a young guy who has just discovered his voice on the field. “I simply consider the present, game by game, how I can improve,” he remarked.
The additional events will follow. It’s very enjoyable for me. I feel great also since my fans are amazing and they like me. All I have to do is keep going and perform well.”
When asked if he had discussed the prospect of working out a permanent deal with Rodgers this summer, he deftly avoided answering the question. All Bernardo said was “No.” Both he and I simply want things to continue going good and get much better.
With yesterday’s five goal romp, the manager and his players’ major season re-start could hardly have gone any better. In fact, they could have scored four more goals if it weren’t for the linesman’s flag and a hectic afternoon shift at VAR headquarters.
Bernardo continued, saying, “It was good.” We had a terrific return from the winter break with our 5-0 victory. Our role is to score goals. We must never step on the opposing team’s toes and show them respect.
We performed admirably today. We had a great time playing at Celtic Park again. I have to score goals as well. I have to give it my all. I’m happy with how things are going for me, but I want to accomplish more.
“I believe I can perform better in the season’s second half. My game still needs a lot of improvement, so all I have to do is keep working hard and everything will work out. I have to score goals as well. I have to keep getting better, scoring goals, and provide assists because that is how football is these days.
However, Bernardo acknowledges that it has taken him a bit longer than he would have liked to comprehend the demands that Rodgers has made of him. It can take some time for the realization to sink in.
“Yeah, it’s about how much game time I have,” he continued. I believe that my understanding has grown significantly since I first started. I am more at ease using the team’s strategies and I also know more about the other players.
Bernardo is aware that he will have to fight the same opponent again to maintain his spot in Celtic’s starting lineup because Reo Hatate will be back in the mix as soon as Japan’s Asian Cup campaign concludes.
That being said, he is eagerly anticipating the task. “Competition keeps all the players at a good level, which is good for the team,” he continued. Both the team and I benefit from it.
It was the ideal method for Rodgers to ease his team back into the season following the winter break. Against opponents from the fifth tier of the Scottish game, they scored five goals but had the opportunity to help themselves to double figures.
In the end, it proved to be too much for young Buckie, who bravely endured for a full day when Bernardo netted and the roof collapsed on top of them. Following the game, Rodgers stated, “It was a good day for both clubs.” From our vantage point, it is evident that we completed the task effectively, played excellent football, and scored some excellent goals.
“The timing was a little off, but we could have had more.” Clearly, Buckie Thistle had an incredible day, and their players gave it their all. Their team received support all the way to the finish. But the job was done for us.
“Over the years, this competition has produced some shocking results, but I’ve always made an effort to make sure we are emotionally and professionally prepared, and you could see that with the players—they were excellent.
“It was critical for us to quickly regain that flow following the break. We are a running squad, and you saw some excellent runs that resulted in goals today, but occasionally our timing was a little off. Overall, I was really happy that we could offer some young guys a chance.
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