Celtic supervisor Brendan Rodgers is satisfied the Hoops can get to the following stage of the Champions League sooner or later after pushing Bayern Munich all the way in which.
The Scottish champions reached the knockout part of the match for the primary time in 12 years after shedding simply twice in eight video games within the league format, and have been then seconds away from extra-time within the Allianz Area.
Given Celtic went into the play-off having failed to interchange Kyogo Furuhashi earlier than the switch deadline, there’s clear scope to strengthen in the summertime, assuming they maintain on to different prime gamers.
“There are monetary ranges that we will by no means get to,” Rodgers stated. “I feel that is clear. Folks speak about going to the following stage. However that is at all times going to be a problem for a membership like ourselves or golf equipment with out the funds of the actually elite golf equipment.
“However we will actually get to the following stage. And the following stage being what we have proven this season with the extent of recreation that we will play and the boldness that you simply acquire, as a result of that is the large factor at this stage, having the boldness to go to the Allianz Area and play that method. So that can give the gamers an enormous elevate of confidence.
“And there is not any purpose then why, if you happen to can qualify out of those group levels and carry out like we did, then there is not any purpose why you possibly can’t then transfer on to a final 16 or a quarter-final.”
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Kris Boyd praised Celtic’s enchancment underneath Rodgers after their late defeat to Bayern Munich within the Champions League
European progress was Rodgers’ said ambition when he returned to Celtic in the summertime of 2023.
“With out being smug, I at all times really feel I can do this,” he stated. “I feel I’ve finished that in my profession, I’ve received huge video games.
“After I was right here the primary time, the fact is perhaps our squad wasn’t constructed for that. Domestically we have been excellent and it was a problem then for us going into European soccer.
“You will at all times have critics, there will be one thing else. You do one thing else and somebody will say one thing else. That is the way in which life is and the way in which the sport is. For me, I am probably not too bothered about what individuals assume or would say.
“My focus could be very clear on serving to this membership progress at that stage and have credibility in Europe. That is what I wished to realize and I feel we have finished that this season. Now we have to hopefully maintain that over the approaching seasons.”
Celtic exited the Champions League after a late Bayern Munich equaliser
Whereas the Celtic gamers can have gained confidence from their efficiency in Germany, Rodgers has had to ensure they recuperate from the crushing blow of conceding 4 minutes into stoppage time.
There isn’t a room for self-pity with a visit to Easter Highway to return on Saturday towards a Hibernian facet who haven’t misplaced in 12 video games.
“I stated to the gamers after the sport you possibly can maintain your head up so proud due to the extent of the opponent,” Rodgers stated.
“What you search for on this recreation is respect and you will come off the pitch and people guys will respect you for what you probably did over the couple of video games. These are guys who will likely be difficult for perhaps the Champions League itself.
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Watch highlights from the final Scottish Premiership match between Celtic and Hibernian
“So the frustration was there naturally due to the character of how the sport ended. However I stated to the gamers, for us to be sat right here, feeling like this, it actually exhibits how far you have come.
“I regarded of their eyes after the Dortmund recreation (a 7-1 defeat in October) and that was an actual powerful one. So it simply confirmed you the mentality and the resilience and the grit that this workforce have. They overcame that, recovered from the setback after which pushed on.
“We went again to the lodge, we had a beer after which bought again to coaching the following day.
“They very not often get the prospect to do this. Don’t fret, it wasn’t a typical Scottish evening out! It was a pleasant relaxed beer and a wine after which we skilled the following day, stayed in a single day, preparing for Hibs.
“It is crucial that you could simply replicate just a little bit and loosen up and take into consideration the moments throughout the recreation and the efficiency, however in a short time it’s a must to transfer on.
“We have got just a few months to go, so let’s end off on what may be a fully good marketing campaign for us.”
