Celtic went into their Champions League clash against Atalanta on Wednesday evening with extra pressure on their shoulders and, dare it be said, a few nerves.
The simple reason was because of Celtic conceding seven against Borussia Dortmund last time out and how that deflated everybody.
In the build-up to the match in Italy, Brendan Rodgers came out fighting and, after talking the talk, his players walked the walk out on the pitch.
Celtic recorded a deserved goalless draw against Atalanta and proved a lot of people wrong that they can defensively sing and dance with the best in Europe’s elite competition.
It’s a sign of improvement and a signal to the fans that Celtic have it in them to go away from home and put in such a display.
In the defeat to Dortmund, a lot of players, as you can understand, came under fire, including goalkeeper, Kasper Schmeichel, but this time, he was getting his flowers, and rightly so.
Joe Hart and Neil Lennon praise Kasper Schmeichel against Atalanta
Celtic’s now-retired number one Joe Hart was full of praise for the man who has replaced him between the sticks.
The Denmark international did the basics right, dealt with the loose balls, was dominant in the air and worked well with his backline.
Hart labelled Schmeichel as ‘outstanding’ and how he, and the centre-back duo Auston Trusty and Liam Scales, were ‘really good’, as he told TNT Sports (23/10/24).
That could be the case of the goalkeeper union backing each other up, but Neil Lennon also sang Schmeichel’s praises.
“These things happen in a game,” said Lennon at half-time about Celtic being put under pressure. “This is where Kasper has to step up and he has done brilliantly so far.”
“Kasper has been outstanding so far,” added Hart. “You see so many threats when you see the whole pitch and you are so aware.”
Then as the game was coming to a close, Hart stated: “No, he hasn’t been pushed beyond his limits. What I talked about earlier is concentration and taking care of business. Little nasty shots in front of him. Working as a team, with Trusty and Scales. As a trio, they have been excellent. Really, really good tonight.”
What was said post-match after Celtic’s draw at Atalanta
That’s four points from three games for the Bhoys, and you have to say, many would have accepted that before a ball was kicked.
Yes, there is still a long way to go, but there is now an air of positivity around the place.
Lennon thinks it’s ‘so significant’, as he pointed out post-match and how Atalanta ‘ran out of ideas’ after 70 minutes.
“I think this is so significant, not just for the players, but for Brendan as well,” said Lennon. “They can go away from home and be resolute. And be disciplined and see the game out.
“After 70 minutes, Atalanta ran out of ideas. I wouldn’t say it was comfortable, but Kasper didn’t have a lot to do in the second half. In the first half, he made some really great and important saves. I think, overall, it’s a fantastic night for the club.”
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