BRENDAN RODGERS is backing his players to come up with the answers when they face Borussia Monchengladbach at Parkhead tomorrow night.
Another rousing, rollicking Champions League confrontation is on its way with three crucial points up for grabs.
And the Hoops gaffer is convinced his team will deliver when the pressure is at its most awesome.
Rodgers said: “We have set a lot of standards throughout the season and each time a question is asked of the players they have stepped up – the first game of the season against Hearts, the qualification to get through.
“Of course, to get here, the players were asked questions early on and throughout the league campaign they’ve been asked questions, but that’s what football is all about.
“You set a standard and you try to keep improving on it.
“Today was probably the best session since I have been here. The actual quality, the tactical idea, the intensity of the players was absolutely first class.
“That’s great news for myself, the staff and the coaches as it tells us they are starting to get comfortable with the ideas we are giving the players and starting to enjoy working with them.
“I think we can see that on the field but there’s still a long way to go yet.”
Rodgers added: “There was a lot of criticism that came our way after the Barcelona game and the only way you can overcome that is by performing.
“The Manchester City game demonstrated that the reality is that we are good enough to be in this competition.
“We were disappointed not to win the game. We weren’t just happy with a draw. We had the lead three times and gave two goals away we should have not, but the overview, in terms of the performance, was very good.
“Now going into this game there’s a similar expectancy from ourselves. We have to keep pushing.
“We’re a team that’s very aggressive and we have to maintain these standards and look to improve the standards. That’s my job as head coach and manager to ensure that happens.
“Thankfully I work with a group of players who are very keen to improve. We have a lot of young players who are desperate to be better and desperate to show themselves consistently at this level because that’s what it’s about.
“You have to consistently do it. It’s not just about playing a one-off game. We go into a different challenge against a top side and we have to then rise to the challenge.”
Meanwhile former Celtic skipper Andy Lynch’s autobiography is out this Thursday and there’s still time to take advantage of the great launch offer.
Just order Hoops, Stars and Stripes from CQN Bookstore (HERE) and you will automatically receive a signed copy plus a free copy (also signed) of Quality Street Gang by Paul Dykes. So both books cost just £14.99 plus p&p for the next few days.
