Brendan Rodgers has reacted to Celtic’s victory over Hibernian that has sent the Bhoys nine points clear at the top of the Scottish Premiership.
Despite scoring three goals in what seemed to be a routine win, Kasper Schmeichel made several top saves to deny Hibernian any sort of foothold at Parkhead.
Arne Engels’ early effort, an own goal from Joe Newell and a magnificent Kyogo Furuhashi lob done the trick on the day, sending Celtic nine points ahead in the Scottish Premiership after Aberdeen dropped points at home to St Johnstone.
Overall, the Bhoys earned another pleasing three points to record a third consecutive clean sheet in seven days and also extended their domestic unbeaten run to 30 matches.
Post-match, Brendan Rodgers shared his verdict on proceedings and delivered a direct response to the question on everyone’s lips.
Brendan Rodgers on Celtic win and Kasper Schmeichel’s contract
Speaking to BBC Sport, Rodgers was delighted with the outcome despite some concerns over his side’s pressing, while he also delivered special praise for Kasper Schmeichel and opened up on his contract situation.
He said: “The win was very good on the back of a midweek game away at Aberdeen, and the changes that we made, I think it’s a fantastic win. Some of our attacking play was excellent, we scored three goals and the keeper has also made some really good saves.
“The downside to that was our pressing. The pressing was nowhere near what I would want it to be and expect it to be. Sometimes, that can happen when you make the changes plus the midweek game, so that then gives them opportunities.
“Thankfully, we’ve got a top international goalkeeper who, when we needed him, made saves, and we could’ve scored more goals also, but overall, the win was very good.”
On Schmeichel’s contract being set to expire at the end of the season and the option to extend his deal, he continued: “One, I can trigger it at any time. Two, I wouldn’t tell you; I would tell him first, but what we have is a top keeper.”
Kasper Schmeichel earns the plaudits as Celtic trump Hibernian
Despite the visitors generating an Expected Goal total of 2.19, Schmeichel turned in a magnificent display to ensure they left empty-handed in a match that produced plenty of goalscoring opportunities.
Top-class goalkeepers are few and far between, but Celtic have someone between the sticks who has played and succeeded at the highest level football has to offer.
Rodgers is playing a game of cat and mouse with the media over his contract situation and won’t be expected to give much away. However, the verdict from the Celtic support is loud and clear: Sign him up!
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