Celtic delivered an unexpectedly solid defensive display in their Champions League match on Wednesday night, showing renewed determination. Despite starting the revamped tournament with energy, confidence, and high hopes, Celtic faced a harsh reality check against Borussia Dortmund.
This setback meant that expectations were low for their match in Italy, where Brendan Rodgers’ side faced an opponent who had won the Europa League last season. Additionally, their opponents were the top scorers in Serie A, but Celtic managed to put on a defensive masterclass against Atalanta, defying the odds.
The performance was commendable and could inspire the rest of the team to believe they can make a significant impact in the Champions League. However, Spanish football analyst Guillem Balague expressed doubts about Rodgers, suggesting he shouldn’t be trusted, especially after Celtic’s tactical shift surprised many.
Before the Atalanta game, Rodgers faced criticism, particularly after Celtic’s 7-0 defeat to Dortmund. The backlash was expected, and Rodgers responded with a determined stance. Pat Bonner praised Celtic’s defensive grit against Atalanta, highlighting a player’s commitment to physical challenges.
Although Rodgers had previously suggested he wouldn’t change his approach, Balague believed he misled everyone, noting on *Match of the Day*: “Brendan has adjusted his tactics in Europe, which is why you can’t always take managers’ words at face value after a game. Following the Dortmund loss, he questioned how they should approach European matches, implying defending wasn’t part of their style. But that clearly changed against Atalanta.”
Despite any pre-match remarks, the outcome proved effective, restoring much-needed confidence in the squad. After the match, Rodgers emphasized his commitment to lifelong learning, reflecting on the experience his team gained from the challenge.
He shared, “I learn every day of my life, and that will continue until my last breath. That mindset helps us bounce back from setbacks, like the feeling after Dortmund. We never want to experience that again, and it has pushed us to improve and grow.”
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