Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has been giving his reaction to another pleasing afternoon for the Bhoys in the Scottish Premiership.
The reigning champions beat Hearts 2-0 to maintain their perfect start to the 2024/25 campaign, claiming 15 points from their first five matches.
New signings Arne Engels and Luke McCowan were the heroes on the scoresheet. Engels netted a cool penalty after 51 minutes before McCowan fired home an impressive strike late on.
Understandably the manager is pleased with what he witnessed from his team against the Edinburgh visitors, speaking on BBC Radio Scotland after the match.
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Brendan Rodgers has his say on Celtic win over Hearts
Rodgers said: “In games like that it’s important you don’t become desperate in the game. The players showed a real patience in the game. When we get our penalty, we could then move through the gears.”
On Engels’ penalty, the manager explained: “Reo Hatate was the number one taker. He was keen to give it to Engels, hat’s the selflessness of Reo. They practiced yesterday. Both their levels were high. A really, really good finish, he stuck it away really well.
“He’s here playing in that eight position. He’s here with his legs and energy and power, he should be able to score goals for us. A good performance from him.”
When asked about McCowan’s big moment, he said: “It’s still very early for all the new players coming in. It’s never going to be easy. Luke’s come in and to get that moment to be a Celtic supporter and get a goal at Celtic Park, what a special moment for him and his family.”
Rodgers also asked about the decisions to overturn a Hearts penalty award and to give Celtic the spot-kick.
He saw no issue despite some subsequent headlines screaming controversy, stating: “When the referee gives it, it’s always going to be looked at. The ball hits Liam Scales up towards the shoulder on that sleeve part and that’s not a penalty. By the rule, the officials were correct.
“By the same token [for the Celtic penalty], if your arms up and the ball hits you, then it’s going to be a penalty.”
Celtic now turn their attention to Europe
Looking so dominant in Scotland, Celtic now cast their eye to a much bigger tournament on Wednesday night.
Slovan Bratislava visit Celtic Park on matchday one of the Champions League and hopes are high that the Bhoys can make an impact in the revamped competition.
Rodgers’ side are projected to pick up as many as ten points across the eight matches which would likely be good enough for progression into the top 24 play-offs.
But that requires a strong start against the Slovakians this week. We’re about to find out whether Celtic can up their levels from the Premiership and be competitive with the continent’s elite.
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