Brendan Rodgers has been giving his reaction to today’s 3-1 victory over Kilmarnock, which has increased Celtic’s lead over the rest in the Scottish Premiership.
With the second and third-placed sides facing off tomorrow, this afternoon was a big opportunity for Celtic to relentlessly surge ahead and the team delivered.
Reo Hatate, Luis Palma and Greg Taylor were all on the scoresheet to deliver the win. From the first to the last whistle, the Bhoys were impressive and fully deserved the victory.
Brendan Rodgers praises Saturday’s Celtic hero
After the match, Rodgers was obviously pleased and singled out Reo Hatate for praise, unprompted, in his interview with BBC Radio Scotland.
The Bhoys boss said: “It was a very good performance. I think the scoreline didn’t quite reflect the dominance in the game. They were very creative, scored good goals, had good dynamism in the team and counter-pressed the game well – I’m very pleased with that.
“We’ve been in a block of games that have been tough games. The players have got through them very well. Even in our two Champions League games, we were competitive. It was a case of regrouping again – the group have a real mental strength and that competitive spirit which you need.
“Their commitment and attitude to learning is very good. The summer was a challenge with players going in and out, important players. And players being injured. We’re now getting some players back to fitness and players understanding more how we want to work.
“Reo Hatate, I thought he was outstanding today. That’s what I want from him. He has to be aggressive in his pressing and his tempo in his press, because then that activates him with the ball. When he’s doing that, you see the level that he has. Overall, there’s still a way to go for us but certainly the quality of our football today was a real joy to watch at times.”
Hatate earned the man of the match award and it was fully deserved. Rodgers is correct to lavish him with praise – it was far more like what we had come to expect from the Japanese star before the manager’s arrival.
He was busy and ambitious with the ball, combined well with teammates and had that devilish eye for goal in the final third. If this is the start of a sustained period of form for the midfielder then there are good times ahead.
In other news, Luis Palma verdict, new partnership looking strong; 3 things we learned as Celtic beat Kilmarnock.
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