BRENDAN RODGERS hopes Celtic can use the springboard of the heroics against Atalanta in midweek to inspire the players to a crucial win over Motherwell at Fir Park this afternoon.
The champions were only a handful of minutes away from dropping two points against Ross County in Dingwall in the fall-out of the seven-goal drubbing in Dortmund at the start of the month.
The Hoops looked flat in the Highlands and it was obvious confidence had taken a battering against the Bundesliga side who were 5-1 ahead at the interval on their way to a landslide 7-1 triumph in matchday two of Europe’s most prestigious competition.
HIGHLAND FLING…Nicolas Kuhn fires in the points-clincher against Ross County in Dingwall.
They trailed at the interval before Alistair Johnston deflected in a shot from Callum McGregor for the equaliser and Nicolas Kuhn then fired in a drive that left keeper Ross Laidlaw helpless with only two minutes of the regulation 90 to play.
However, on matchday three of the Champions League, Rodgers’ side were resilient as they responded in Bergamo to dig out a goalless draw against the freescoring Serie A side who added to their impressive striking haul with a runaway 6-1 victory over Verona yesterday.
Now the Parkhead gaffer is looking for “big energy and big attitude” against Stuart Kettlewell’s well-drilled outfit at a venue where the visitors had to rely on stoppage-time goals from Matt O’Riley and Adam Idah to emerge triumphant on both occasions last season.
Reflecting on the admirable display in Italy, Rodgers said: “The team, defensively, was outstanding. We’re a team who like to take the game by the scruff of the neck and impose our way of working on the game.
“But you know that when you come up against superior teams, especially away from home, you’re going to be in difficult situations.
UNBEATABLE…Kasper Schmeichel on guard in the goalless draw against Atalanta.
“You won’t have the run of the game and you need a high level of concentration. That was probably the thing that pleased me most, that concentration against a top team.
“We showed that we can defend really well and be compact and tight, all of the things that we spoke about before.’
“It’s also great for the supporters, because they need to know that their team can have a bit of dig, a bit of grit and determination.
“To produce that performance really shows the togetherness of the team and the mentality of the squad.”
Switching his focus to events in Lanarkshire today, Rodgers, speaking to Celtic TV, added: “Fir Park has always been a tough place to go. I always really enjoy going there. It’s always a great atmosphere and we bring a good support.
“They’re always tough games, Stuart has his team set up well and we’re expecting a team that are well organised.
“For us, we know what we need after a Champions League game. It’s big energy, big attitude and to continue with our great start to the season.”
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