‘From today’… Brendan Rodgers makes one thing crystal clear about Celtic training over the next 18 days

Add as preferred source on Google

Celtic have already completed their main objective in the Scottish Premiership.

The emphatic 5-1 victory over Dundee United at Tannadice almost two weeks ago now sealed Celtic’s fourth consecutive league title.

Attention then turned to the Glasgow derby in which the Hoops managed to avoid defeat and secure a 1-1 draw at Ibrox. That was all about personal pride and city bragging rights with the league wrapped up.

Now, with just four games to go of the season, everything now rests on the Scottish Cup final at Hampden Park against Aberdeen with the chance to seal a domestic Treble.

Yes, there are Premiership games to conclude, but the most important clash is on May 24 and Brendan Rodgers has outlined what he wants from his players from now until then.

• READ MORE: Alex Rae explains ex-Rangers boss Philippe Clement’s largely unsuccessful tactics vs Celtic’s Kyogo and Daizen Maeda

Speaking exclusively to Celtic TV, Rodgers was firstly asked about how important it will be to stay focused across these next few games until the final.

The Northern Irishman replied in typically professional fashion and wants his squad to “train like animals” at Lennoxtown over the next 18 days.

He said: “It’s very important not to. We’ve obviously had a few days after the Dundee United game, a few days now after Ibrox.

“Now, we’ve got 18 days to really get super focused on the remaining games and the Scottish Cup final. So it’s important that the players and the staff, and the people, can enjoy the success which we’ve had up until this point. 

“But now, as I said, from today, there are 18 days left in the season for us to train like animals every single day to recover the very best way that we can in those days off.

“And then be in here, get ready, get prepared, take on the games, we have got three games now in a week before we lead into the Scottish Cup final.

“So, for us, and being a Celtic player, this is what it’s about. You’re not drifting, and your wheels aren’t landing, and you’re thinking on holiday, this is a massive part of the season now and we want to finish it. 

“If we do that, then it can be a real historical season for us.”

Celtic’s next three Premiership games

The Hoops have three more essentially meaningless league games to attend to, with Rodgers largely expected to field fringe and young players.

Of course, key players like captain Callum McGregor and top scorer Daizen Maeda will get minutes, but perhaps not as many as usual given their importance for the Scottish Cup final.

Celtic face high-flying Hibs at Parkhead this Saturday before a midweek trip to Pittodrie against Aberdeen. Last season, that fixture was at Kilmarnock where the Hoops sealed the title.

And just like last year, trophy day will come against Stephen Robinson’s St Mirren as fans pack out Celtic Park for one last time this season.