On Tuesday Brendan Rodgers talked about how his Celtic side had created a new identity- when Scott Brown’s shot hit the Hapoel net a new chapter was formed signalling the Rodgers era.
No one that watched the match will forget it, the ebb and flow, the ninth minute opener, a fantastic double from Leigh Griffiths, flirting with disaster then a wonderful ending that left everyone smiling.
It was special for Rodgers, without doubt one of our own. He bought into Liverpool emotionally but when it comes from the heart it’s a different story entirely.
He used to get the bus and ferry over to stand in the jungle, his playing career took him to England, he connected with Tommy Burns and delivered last night for the fans that are the extended Burns family- and put a deposit down with UEFA for a massive cheque heading to Celtic Park.
During the match the Irishman kept his cool, detached and disciplined, ruthless with his substitutions as he delivered the result he desired.
It’s only the start but after inheriting a demoralised squad Rodgers has taken Celtic to the brink of the Champions League- the arena that the club should always be at.
Tellingly four of last night’s goals came from players he inherited, players who had been embarrassed domestically earlier this year. Now those players are a week away from seeing which giants are heading to Celtic Park for three epic nights with the stadium designed specifically for these matches.
CLICK HERE to begin the GALLERY from last night..
BROONY
For his skipper Rodgers had special words, he could have ditched Scott Brown as a statement of intent but there was substance to the compliments last night as his skipper put the icing on the cake, taking the edge out of the return match
“I thought Scott was brilliant,” Rodgers said. “Over the course of pre- season, he has become lean. I have seen him from the outside before, but I thought he looked powerful, just like the whole team did.
“This is a guy who could play in the English Premier League but he loves it here, his heart is here and he wants to see his career out at Celtic.
DOMINANCE
“I thought he was outstanding with the ball. His goal was a wonderful finish. His dominance in the game, you see the importance of Broony.
“As I’ve said all season, he’s really impressed me tactically and how he’s covered and filled gaps. I thought he was one of many great performers
“It is a brilliant result for us. You would obviously prefer 3-0 but 5-2 really shows the level that the team played at in a European game where there is everything riding on it.
AGGRESIVE
“We were excellent in the first half, we pressed them aggressively, created opportunities, scored three and maybe could have had more.
“We started the second half well, I was pleased, then we had a spell when we defended very poorly for 10-12 minutes and conceded two poor goals.
“We didn’t reduce the space, there was a little bit of inexperience, and it goes to 3-2 quickly again and then there is a question asked of you.
“Before the game I mentioned about periods when you come under pressure and it is having those check points in place to stay calm, get control of the game and look to shift the momentum of the game.
MENTAL STRENGTH
“At 3-2, to then go and win the game 5-2, really shows that mental strength of the players as well as the quality.
“They are nowhere near the finished article yet but they look a really exciting team which is full of character.
“So I’ve got to say a massive thank-you to them because I think they’ve taken a huge stride forward tonight in terms of understanding how we want to play.
SUPPORT
“When it went to 3-2 I’m sure, before, it could have been a real, real edgy game for us but they stayed calm.
“They really roared the team on and understood we were trying to play our way back into the game.
“The support tonight really, really helped the players so I say a big thank-you to them.”
The task has still to be completed but with a manager that can be trusted and a team that delivers Celtic fans can again dream about taking their place among the elite of the Champions League.