Brendan Rodgers has vowed that Celtic will take a bold approach against Borussia Dortmund as they look to impose themselves against last season’s Champions League finalists.
Taking on one of Europe’s premier outfits in their own backyard is never a straightforward task, but the Irishman’s belief in Celtic’s chances of a result has to excite supporters.
Speaking ahead of the trip to Signal Iduna Park, Brendan Rodgers urged Celtic to ‘impose’ themselves on Dortmund regardless of the star-studded line-up they will face.
He stated: “We can go there and look to impose our style in the game. I always say, in every game we play, as long as we try, we press, we attack, and we fight, let’s see where it takes us.”
Seeing Celtic with so much optimism heading into a Champions League tie with elite billing is refreshing, but it is reasonable to expect Dortmund to have their fair share of chances on home soil.
In light of this, his experienced players will need to step up to the occasion if there is any chance of the Bhoys causing a shock against the Bundesliga outfit, including one of the Bhoys’ eight summer signings.
Kasper Schmeichel’s brilliant start to life at Celtic
After arriving from Anderlecht on a free transfer during the window, Kasper Schmeichel has immediately become a pillar of strength for Celtic.
The 37-year-old has been instrumental in the Bhoys’ rampant start to the season, keeping six clean sheets in nine matches and conceding only four times.
With Schmeichel receiving praise from Peter Grant after Celtic equalled a 118-year clean sheet record against Heart of Midlothian, the Denmark international watched on as the Hoops bulldozed St Johnstone 6-0 to become the first side since to win six consecutive games in the Scottish top-flight without conceding since 1906/07.
Distribution is also an area where the former Leicester City man is comfortable — he has maintained a pass accuracy of 96.3% on league duty this term and 74.6% regarding long balls.
Nevertheless, Dortmund will be the stiffest test of his capabilities since arriving at Celtic, but Rodgers will have faith in one of his key disciples.
Brendan Rodgers’ has faith in Kasper Schmeichel at Celtic
Once the Dane put pen to paper at Celtic, Rodgers pointed out Schmeichel’s ‘real quality’ and trustworthy nature as the main reasons behind his capture in the summer.
He stated: “I am really pleased to bring Kasper to Celtic. He is a real quality keeper and someone with the ability and personality to be great for us.
| Position | Team | Played MP | Won W | Drawn D | Lost L | For GF | Against GA | Diff GD | Points Pts |
| 1 |  CelticCeltic | 6 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 20 | 0 | 20 | 18 |
| 2 |  AberdeenAberdeen | 6 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 12 | 4 | 8 | 18 |
| 3 |  RangersRangers | 6 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 10 | 4 | 6 | 13 |
| 4 |  MotherwellMotherwell | 6 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 9 | 7 | 2 | 10 |
| 5 |  Dundee UtdDundee Utd | 6 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 9 | 7 | 2 | 9 |
| 6 |  ST MirrenST Mirren | 7 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 11 | 13 | -2 | 8 |
“He is a guy I trust and someone who knows how to win. He lives for football and he is coming to a club where he will feel the same passion that he has for the game.
“I know he will feel right at home at Celtic and we look forward to working with him as we all aim for more success.”
While Schmeichel has helped Celtic go six games without conceding in the Scottish Premiership, his main test lies against Dortmund. A heroic performance may be needed if the Bhoys are to add to their league phase points tally.
Coming up against Serhou Guirassy, Donyell Malen and Karem Adeyemi will be tricky, but he has handled tougher opponents during a distinguished career at the top level.
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