Rodgers wants his stars to add another trophy to crown what has been a rousing finale.
After a demanding season, Brendan Rodgers acknowledges that asking the Celtic players to go again for a final push would seem “unfair.”
However, he maintains that his soldiers are aware of this since it is a necessary component of their work at Parkhead as they pursue the ultimate prize—the Scottish Cup. This Saturday, Celtic, who were elected Premiership winners for the third consecutive season, will have the opportunity to win both titles at Hampden versus Rangers. They have had to work hard to get to this point in the season, as Rodgers was under pressure to perform mediocrely early on.
However, his players persevered, and they crossed the finish line with an eight-game winning streak to close the league season. Rodgers was informed on the team’s TV channel that asking the players to return nearly seemed “unfair.” However, he added, “They are aware that’s a need of the job.
“We accomplished our goal of winning the league, and we concluded the season as deserving winners. I’m quite impressed of the players’ handling of the strain they’ve been under for the past nine or so games. We had eight victories, one tie, and we ought to have won the tie. However, it demonstrates the team’s humility and attention to detail.
We’re in the championship round, and the goal is to win. They receive a little respite following the final, so it would not seem fair to expect them to go again. The boys from abroad will then get together. This week, as we get ready for the major occasion, a lot of our attention is on our plan and preparation.
“We’re calm yet determined. While celebrating over the weekend was enjoyable, we are now concentrating on the final. We are ready to give an as impressive performance as we did against Kilmarnock. Excellent preparation, the final showcase match of the season on an amazing pitch, and we want to give it our all. It would be the perfect conclusion .
The complexion isn’t really changed by the fact that it’s the final. Our goal was to win the match. Although we are aware that we must play aggressive and strong defence, our goal is to win every game. We are in this to win, cup game or not. Our mentality is that there are no second chances in a semi-final or final.
“Even though we enter it in excellent shape, it is meaningless. We still need to make sure everything is in order, prepare as much as possible, and give the boys every chance to play the kind of game they want to play.
“I must admit that Saturday was a fantastic day for the club. It was a great way to end the season to win the game. It’s a terrific idea to stroll up the Celtic Way with the supporters, especially when Joe is up there lifting the trophy. I had the feeling that we would be thrilled to receive the trophy in front of the fans at the conclusion of the match. It was great that Santa Claus was present as well!
“However, the football is in the centre. We still have work to do today. We did a great job on the task, and even though we changed the game a lot, the boys handled it pretty well. The cherry on top was to finally prevail.”
Of course, winning the league guarantees Celtic a spot in the Champions League for the next season, which will be unique due to the introduction of a 36-team league structure. “It’s really thrilling,” Rodgers remarked. “At that level, you get that additional few games. For a club like ours, it’s incredibly advantageous in every manner, be it financial or football-related. Comparing ourselves to the finest in football is something that always excites me teams.”
The Hoops became the first team in history to win both the SPFL Premiership and the SWPL1 in the same season if they were to win the cup, capping a trophy-filled season for both the men’s and women’s sides. Rodgers was at Parkhead to watch Elena Sadiku’s team defeat Hibs 1-0, won in dramatic manner by Amy Gallagher’s late winner.
“I was so, so happy,” he exclaimed. We want Celtic to win regardless of whether they were playing at Tiddlywinks. Still, I felt incredibly fortunate to be present with my family. The women had excellent play and a great tactical concept for the match. Because the women are so genuine in their approach to the game and in how they play it, I truly appreciated it.
“And it was clearly really brilliant—done in a classic Celtic style—knowing the outcome of the other game and that we had to win. I was clapping and having fun. It was clear that Elena and her team were witnessing a true historical event. The women’s victory completed the weekend, which was just fantastic. I’m very happy for everyone.
The last word goes to Joe Hart, who will play Sunday in his final game as a professional. Rodgers remarked, “There will be an understanding that this is his last professional game,” in honour of the shotstopper. We would all love to send him out into the sunset with another trophy to his name since he has been fantastic during his time here culminate in what has been an incredibly remarkable career.
Joe has a sharp focus. After winning another league championship, he is now fully focused on assisting the club in winning the Scottish Cup.”
