Brendan Rodgers has never lost a cup game as manager of Celtic and obviously wants that streak to continue against Kilmarnock on Sunday – but the Bhoys boss has warned it will be far from easy.
Rodgers won seven trophies from the seven available to him during his first stint in Glasgow – two league titles, two Scottish Cups and three Scottish League Cups.
Derek McInnes’ side stands in the way of a League Cup run this term and Rodgers knows well enough that matches against an organised McInnes outfit are never the easiest.
The Celtic manager said [Herald Sport, 19/08 print edition page 6]: “We created some great memories and moments over the course of the cup competitions, and I hope to do something similar this time. But it will be a very difficult game. Obviously Kilmarnock, as you saw against Rangers, are very hard to beat and that’s Derek’s teams. To be fair, they are always very competitive – some of the best organised in the country. And he’s an experienced manager, and a very good manager, so we prepare for a very tough game.
“If you want to win any cup competition you have to be able to get over hurdles that can be difficult and challenging and that will be Sunday’s game. So much can happen in a one-off game. There are so many variables. I think over the course of the games we played, we played with a great discipline in our game, our preparation and our mentality. We treated every game like it was a cup final whether it was the league or a final. Every game we were ready for. We’d some tough games in that as well, especially on the back of European competitions.
“They are all tough games. I think everyone would love a home game in front of your own supporters. That’s the ideal scenario – with the surface. But that’s the nature of cup football, that you can be drawn anywhere and you have to be ready for the challenge.”
A team energised in the early stages of the season, difficult to break down, physical, a dodgy pitch and optimistic home support – this is a tricky cup tie, make no mistake. It’s a significant early test for this Brendan Rodgers side but, thankfully, he knows that.
It’s doubtful there will be any complacency in the Celtic squad tomorrow despite all the success of last season and the success the manager has enjoyed. They thrive on this kind of occasion and will be eager to book their place in the next round, eventually to head on the way to more Hampden dates.
It shouldn’t be forgotten that Celtic beat Kilmarnock in all four matches between the two sides last term, including in the League Cup competition. So while the squad must remain focused on the task at hand, fans can still have confidence of a strong result and more cup progression under Rodgers.
In other news, 3 transfers Celtic can still complete before the end of the summer window.
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