Barry Robson states what Brendan Rodgers will do as Celtic prepare for Atalanta test

Add as preferred source on Google

The last time Celtic were in Champions League action, it wasn’t pleasant viewing.

Borussia Dortmund ripped Celtic apart and it put huge pressure on Brendan Rodgers to change things up in Europe.

On the domestic stage, there aren’t many qualms about how Celtic perform because they are the most dominant team in Scotland.

From beating Rangers in their sleep to winning the required trophies, even when star players leave, the performance levels don’t drop.

Matt O’Riley left Celtic for Brighton in the summer, he was Celtic’s best player last season, yet he hasn’t been missed in the Scottish Premiership.

The Bhoys recorded a 2-2 draw against Aberdeen on Saturday to maintain their unbeaten start as they remain top of the table, level with the Dons.

But now, they face another acid test in the Champions League, this time travelling to Italy to take on Atalanta.

Barry Robson thinks Brendan Rodgers could tighten it up for Celtic against Atalanta

It’s a one-way street with the Celtic manager. He will play on the front foot and press with intensity, no matter what.

But many think it’s time to change that in the Champions League, especially on the road.

Barry Robson feels his former side will be ‘better prepared’ for their trip to face the Europa League winners, as he told Sportscene.

And how there could be a more defensive approach, even though it’s not Rodgers’ game.

“I think they will be better prepared,” said Robson. “I think Brendan said before the game that they had a lot of their players away on international, but so were Aberdeen.

“I think he will get a bit more structure and training time with them. Also, he will need to take a look at the last game they took part in. We are a bit open at times, so maybe Brendan will tighten up a little bit.

“But this is a whole new level for Celtic playing in the Champions League. It will be a difficult game for them. I think they will do alright.”

What has Atalanta boss Gian Piero Gasperini said about Celtic

This is a team sitting sixth in Serie A, six points behind leaders Napoli and hoping to continue their success from last season.

At the weekend, Atalanta beat Venezia 2-0 to provide themselves with some confidence ahead of the Celtic game.

Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini hailed Celtic and how they are facing a team ‘used to winning championships’.

“With Celtic, well, it’s a different competition, we’re facing a team used to winning championships, a fast team, especially in attack,” said Gasperini.