BRENDAN RODGERS is hoping to improve upon Celtic’s previous away result in the Champions League when they take on Dinamo Zagreb on matchday six this evening.
The Hoops recovered from their 7-1 drubbing in Dortmund only three weeks earlier to grind out a goalless deadlock with Europa League winners Atalanta in Bergamo back in October.
It was an all-hands-on-deck display from the Parkhead club against the talented Italians that earned them a point among many accolades for their spirit, approach and attitude.
Tonight in the Croatian capital, Rodgers’ men are looking to bring an end to a dreadful seven-year sequence that goes back to Brussels in September 2017 when the Parkhead club last enjoyed an away-day triumph in Europe’s most prestigious tournament.
THE ITALIAN JOB…Brendan Rodgers acknowledges the Celtic fans after the draw against Atalanta.
No-one could have believed that as Scott Sinclair drilled in the final goal in a praiseworthy 3-0 success over Anderlecht that they were witnessing the team’s last victory on the road in he upper echelons of European football.
Looking ahead to the challenge that awaits at the Maksimir Stadium, the Celtic gaffer said: “You know that an away win at any level, but in particular in the Champions League, is a difficult challenge, it’s one that gives a real good feeling.
“You know what it means to supporters as well as the points. So, for us, it’s the next step.
“You go to Atalanta and you defend how we did there, that gives you a bit of confidence to know that you can go into any stadium and defend well.
“And we hope that we can then bring our attacking game alongside that. We know that when we do that, it gives us an opportunity to get that win.”
Asked if if his team have reached a stage where they believe they can win on the road, Rodgers, speaking at the media conference, replied: “I don’t think there’s any doubt. Working with this group now over the last 15, 16 months, whatever it is, I feel we’re in a really, really good place.
“And I know we can arrive into these games now having made some big performances that we feel can get us big results at the level.”
DANGERMAN…Nicolas Kuhn threatens as Celtic surge forward in Bergamo.
Dinamo Zagreb are in the midst of a five-game winless run, but have seven points in Europe’s elite competition, just one fewer than the Hoops, and Rodgers dismissed all talk that they are a team in turmoil.
The Irishman added: “I just don’t believe it, that’s the reality. When a team’s in crisis mode, that’s always dangerous for me. And that’s why I never think about it and look at it.
“Whether it’s players who are missing or whether the form’s not quite been good, what you know is, in the Champions League, once the music comes, every team is motivated to win.
“I just know that this will be a tough game for us. But we’re ready for it and we’re excited about it.”
*DON’T miss the unbeatable match report from Dinamo Zagreb v Celtic this evening – only in your champion CQN.
