Brendan Rodgers makes promising Celtic ‘demand’ quip as players urged to maintain ruthless start

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Celtic are still unbeaten domestically this campaign, and Brendan Rodgers has plenty to be smiling about as the New Year approaches.

Alongside the transfer window opening for business, the prospect of a blockbuster Glasgow Derby clash at Ibrox will excite the Irishman ahead of the challenges facing his side over the next few weeks.

First, Celtic hope to build on their comprehensive victory over Motherwell with a similar performance in the Bhoys’ encounter at home to St Johnstone to see out 2024 in style.

Retaining a 12-point advantage over Rangers at the Scottish Premiership summit, some could be forgiven for assuming the Bhoys may take their foot off the gas due to the gap in question.

However, Brendan Rodgers has made himself clear about why that won’t be allowed to happen on his watch.

Brendan Rodgers urges Celtic to maintain ruthless intensity

Speaking after Celtic defeated Motherwell, Rodgers made it clear he wants to see a continuation of their ruthless form and specified that there is more to come from this group of players.

He stated: “Yes, I think there is still more to come. If you compare the performance level to the early parts of the season, obviously, of course, you’re playing less, and you’re maybe not as fatigued or whatever else. Still, we demand, even in a really hectic schedule, the intensity that we want to play at.

“That’s our intention getting into every game. It’s important that we continue to always look to up the level. And that’s what we continually look to do.

“Against United, we didn’t create as much in the final third. We arrived there but weren’t as ruthless or as clinical as we could be. But that was there today.”

Celtic want reinforcements in January to aid Rodgers’ wish

Intriguingly, Rodgers noted he wants attacking reinforcements at Celtic to ‘add goal threats’ to a side already rich in offensive talent.

Departures will likely create room for fresh ideas, but it may be a wise move to make long-term when encapsulating how to maintain what has been a ruthless start to the campaign.

Football is a squad game and Celtic still have a lot of football to play before anything is said and done. Resting on your laurels isn’t something the club should be prone to, hence why the Irishman is desperate to build from a position of strength.