Brendan Rodgers has been reacting to Celtic’s stunning performance against St Johnstone on Saturday night.
The Bhoys smashed the Perth side 6-0 with goals from Kyogo Furuhashi, Paulo Bernardo, Callum McGregor, Daizen Maeda and Adam Idah.
Celtic were simply unstoppable, with the quality of possession and goals impressive even beyond the standards of the previous eight wins this season.
Rodgers was understandably delighted with his players and waxed lyrical about what he witnessed from the team during the 90 minutes, especially Daizen Maeda.
Brendan Rodgers left buzzing by six-goal Celtic
The manager told BBC Radio Scotland: “I thought we were excellent. From the first whistle we saw the mentality in the team. The players couldn’t have done any more. They were all really good goals in their own right.
“My big thing in making this team different is the attitude in our counter-pressing and our hunger. That was typified no more by Daizen Maeda in the 86th minute getting back in and winning the ball back from their striker. When you have that in your team, along with the talent and organisation, then it gives you a big chance. There were many big moments in the game but that was a real favourite of mine.
“It’s a special gift that he has. He’s such a catalyst for everyone else. Our clean sheet record, our mentality, it all starts from the front. Everyone has to do it. Players like him are so important within that. He’s getting his reward for all that work by scoring consistently.”
Celtic carry momentum into Dortmund test
It gets more difficult for Celtic now. But that’s something to relish, not fear. Celtic travel to Dortmund on Tuesday night with as much confidence as they could possibly have.
The Bhoys haven’t been as well prepared as this for a European test for a long, long time, and there’s understandable excitement about what’s ahead.
The Germans have shown defensive fragility of late, conceding seven goals in their last two matches. If Celtic can again show a ruthless edge in front of goal then they could land a punch or two on the home side.
Where does that take us? Who’s to say? Dortmund undoubtedly have quality of their own and will give as good as they get. One thing is for sure, I can’t wait to see Celtic take on the challenge.
Receive a digest of our best Celtic content each week direct to your mailbox
