BRENDAN RODGERS insists Celtic will show no fear as they go for a positive result against Borussia Monchengladbach this evening.
The Hoops realise a second consecutive Champions League defeat from the Bundesliga giants will almost certainly mean no European football at Parkhead beyond Christmas.
Rodgers side are bottom of Group C – which also includes Barcelona and Manchester City who meet at the Etihad tonight – with just one point from their opening three fixtures.
The champions’ gaffer admitted: “We didn’t play so well in the last game and they probably played at a level they haven’t played at for a number of weeks. But, with that in mind, if we don’t make errors, we can still take something from the game.
“It is about putting in a performance away from home and if we can do that, then we know we have a possibility of getting a good result.
“They reinforced that they are a very good side. The level they are developing over the last couple of years is a level we are trying to get to obviously over time.
“We are taking a couple of jumps up to that level. At this level there are very few opportunities and you have to take them, while remaining very solid and super competitive.”
Rodgers was hit by a triple blow yesterday when central defenders Kolo Toure and Jozo Simunovic and last season’s 40-goal man Leigh Griffiths missed the trip to Germany with a combination of injury, fatigue and illness. Kieran Tierney, of course, is also out for two months after his freak accident in training last week.
The Irishman said: “It is unfortunate, but you can’t control it. It is something that you can’t worry about. You hope those players can get back as quick as they can, but it is an on-going issue with Jozo and Kolo.”
Rodgers also revealed he is optimistic the club can become regular qualifiers for the last-16 of the Champions League in the coming years.
He added: “That’s the process we’re beginning. This is what this experience of this competition has given us, the chance to build towards that.
“The huge improvement that’s been made domestically is a huge credit to the players and how well they’ve worked and how hard they’ve worked. And it’s step by step.
“They’ve arrived into this level, in the toughest group in the competition, and, of course, it’s been difficult for them. It’s a major challenge for us, but it’s a great challenge to have.
“Each year we can arrive here we can improve on it and, hopefully, get to the latter stages consistently. Let’s see how the next game goes and take it from there.”
