Brendan Rodgers won’t shy away from pressure- he embraces it.
Tonight in Israel he’ll attempt to steer Celtic past Hapoel Beer Sheva into the group phase of the Champions League and open up a new chapter in the club’s history.
After two season’s in the wilderness a return to the excitement, glamour, attention and finances of the Champions League is desperately needed.
It’s a scenario that Rodgers knows all about, he’s been there twice before in his managerial career.
In 2011, largely thanks to a Wembley hat-trick from Scott Sinclair, he took Swansea into the Premier League for the first time. Five years later the Welsh side are still enjoying the benefits.
Two years ago Liverpool lost the Premier League title in heart breaking fashion but returned to the Champions League after a five year absence.
“There are big rewards for this game, but the differences between winning and losing are very marginal,” reflected the Celtic boss ahead of tonight’s match.
“The consequences are massive, but you can’t afford to think about the consequences or you wouldn’t do it.
“I remember going into one of my earliest games, the play-off final, which was deemed the £100m game between Swansea and Reading.
“That is a life-changing game. As a coach, if you get through, you get to the Premier League and your career takes off.
“For the players, they arrive in a much better position financially. So these types of games are important but for me this is about prestige. The money is irrelevant. Of course, the bonus for the club is the financial package you can get in the Champions League, and everything that comes with it.
“For myself and the players it is about operating at the highest level you can. We fought so hard all pre- season, we now have that one final step to take, and I believe we are ready to take it.”
Rodgers recalled: “After that play-off game in 2011 I stood and spoke to the Reading boss Brian McDermott for a while.
“I spoke to him about his feelings, because I felt for him. It could have been myself but you know the occasion, you know it’s a big game and there are various times in your life and career as a coach and manager that games come upon you that mean so much.
“Everyone recognises that because of the hardship of the last few years. It’s been three years since Celtic have been in the Champions League and for everyone it means a lot but if you think too much on the emotional side you would drive yourself mad.
“You just have to focus on the process of winning and getting through. That’s all I’ve ever done.”
