Celtic looking for redemption, Rodgers aims for titles and defends fans ahead of clash with Hibernian

Celtic return to the field this Sunday with a clear objective: redemption. After an early exit from the Premier Sports Cup last season, coach Brendan Rodgers doesn't hide his frustration with the past, but is emphatic in setting ambitious goals for the current campaign. “We were disappointed last season,” admitted Rodgers, with the sincerity of someone who knows the weight of managing one of the giants of Scottish soccer. But that disappointment seems to have been the fuel the team needed to go from strength to strength this season.

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Celtic's first game in the competition will be against Hibernian, a familiar opponent, but one not to be underestimated. Rodgers, with his sharp vision and experience accumulated over the years, knows that every game is crucial, especially when the pressure is on to win all the trophies up for grabs. “This is the next game and it's the most important, and we want to go through,” he said, making it clear that at Celtic, there is no room for complacency. The focus is total and the commitment to victory is non-negotiable.

The current campaign has got off to a flying start in the Premiership, with wins over Kilmarnock and Hibernian themselves, which has given Celtic the confidence they need to face another challenge in the Cup. But, as Rodgers rightly pointed out, the quest for trophies is not limited to good performances in a few matches. It's a continuous job that requires dedication and, above all, a winning mentality. “We have to set ourselves that goal and want to win every trophy,” he said.

And speaking of winning mentality, Adam Idah's return to the club is news that excites not only the coach, but all the fans. The young Irish striker, who played a key role in winning the double last season, now returns to Celtic on a permanent basis, signing a five-year contract. Rodgers made no secret of his satisfaction with the signing: “I'm absolutely delighted. He showed last season that he has enormous potential”. For the coach, Idah is not just a promising prospect, but a player who has already proved his worth and has everything to shine in the coming years.

Rodgers, always cautious in his assessments, points out that Idah is in an environment that is conducive to his development and that, with time, he will be able to show all his quality. “I think in the next two or three years he can really blossom and show all the quality he has,” he said, confident in the young striker's future. The expectation is that Idah will become a key player in Rodgers' quest for titles.

But it's not all smooth sailing for Celtic. The controversy over the allocation of tickets for the Glasgow derby is still a matter of debate. The club's decision not to make tickets available to visiting fans for the match at Ibrox has generated mixed reactions, but Rodgers firmly defends the board's stance. “I think the board made a very good decision. The club's job is to protect the support,” he explained, putting the welfare of the fans as a top priority.

For Rodgers, Celtic's responsibility in this impasse is nil. The coach is clear in pointing out that the whole situation was created by decisions outside the club. “Celtic are being dragged into this as a Celtic and Rangers thing. It isn't. This is a Rangers thing,” he said, making it clear that the club is only defending the interests of its fans. In the midst of this controversy, Rodgers has demonstrated not only his loyalty to the club, but also his ability to deal with delicate issues, always keeping the focus on what really matters: the performance on the pitch.

The game against Hibernian, as well as being the start of the Premier Sports Cup, is also an opportunity for Celtic to reaffirm their strength and show that they are ready to overcome challenges. Rodgers, with a strategic vision, is confident that the team will deliver. “I'm very excited for him, for the Celtic fans and for the team,” he said of Idah, but the phrase could apply to his feelings about the whole season. The fans, who are already looking forward to the Glasgow derby, also know that the journey begins now.

If Celtic can align their ambitions with the reality on the pitch, as Rodgers has been working to ensure, the road to another winning season is paved. The “all trophies” mentality that Rodgers has instilled in the team is not just a wish, but a mantra that the club will take into every game.