Celtic eased past Livingston 3-0 at Celtic Park, keeping their spotless start to the season alive, but Brendan Rodgers made it clear the team’s focus has already shifted. Even with a convincing scoreline, the coach steered the conversation straight toward the next hurdle in the Champions League against Kairat.
“I was very pleased. I thought the performance was very good. We started well and at the pace we wanted,” Rodgers said. A win like that could’ve sparked plenty of celebration, but his message showed that Celtic isn’t in the mood to sit back and admire themselves.
He pointed out how the squad stayed strong as a unit, even after he rotated heavily. “There were a lot of changes, but the team’s fluidity was very good and we managed to get into some good areas in the first half.” The players adapted, responded, and kept the level high.
Satisfaction without euphoria
When Rodgers broke the game down afterward, his tone was steady. He admitted the second half was sharper, with the three goals giving the side full control, but he was just as keen to praise the commitment of his players. “In the second half, we had a good rhythm in the game and scored three very good goals. I really value the players who are here, they’re working very well.”
This wasn’t a coach throwing out empty soundbites. It was the kind of straight talk you expect from someone who knows each win has to be a step toward something bigger. He also circled back to a point that’s been clear all season: “Defensively we’re strong, we’ve only conceded one goal in four domestic games.”
All eyes on the Champions League
Now comes the real test. After a scoreless draw against Kairat in Glasgow, Celtic will head to Kazakhstan looking to punch their ticket into the Champions League league phase. Rodgers wasn’t hiding how much it matters.
“We’ll make sure our preparation is right over the next 48 hours. We’ll travel in the morning and we’ll go into the game to win it. The objective is to qualify.”
The coach’s words were sharp and to the point, leaving no space for excuses. He kept hammering home that the draw at home didn’t change the ambition. “We’re still very much in the tie and we’re still capable of going out there and winning, so that’s the plan.”
So yes, the win over Livingston was good, but Rodgers doesn’t want that to be the week’s headline. In his eyes, Celtic’s season won’t really begin until the team shows its muscle in Europe.