BRENDAN RODGERS is confident as he faces up to the forthcoming Champions League crunch confrontations against Barcelona, Manchester City and Borussia Monchengladbach.
Celtic, of course, negotiated their way through the qualifiers after defeating Lincoln Red Imps (3-1), Astana (3-2) and Hapoel Be’er Sheva (5-4).
Now they have been handed a place in the toughest group as they aim for a last 16 spot – and the Irishman believes it could be home, sweet home in their great European adventure.
Rodgers insists the Parkhead fans can be the team’s 12th man. He said: “I’ve seen quotes from Lionel Messi saying Celtic Park is the best atmosphere he’s ever played in.
“The home games are really special here and it will, hopefully, make it difficult for the opposition.
“We go into it with a very positive mind-set and know that in European competitions your home games are vital. We have to have a plan to get something from the away games.“We’ve earned the right to be there, so we need to muster up something that will see us be competitive. At home, with the crowd we’ve got, we will make it difficult.”
However, Rodgers conceded the champions are up against it in Group C and sees Barcelona as favourites for the trophy.
He added: “It’s hard to go against Barcelona. We played them in pre-season and it was early for them, but you look at their experience and their quality, they’re always up there year in, year out.”
