Brendan Rodgers Targets Strong Start Against Kairat Almaty

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers is urging his team to deliver a strong performance in the first leg of their crucial Champions League play-off against Kairat Almaty on August 1, 2023. The match at Parkhead is vital for the Scottish champions as they aim to secure a favorable position before a challenging 7,000-mile journey to Kazakhstan for the return leg.

Rodgers expressed a preference for facing Slovan Bratislava, a team Celtic defeated comfortably in last year’s league phase. However, Kairat Almaty, who advanced after winning a penalty shootout against Bratislava, now stands in the way of Celtic’s aspirations to compete in Europe’s top tournament.

In a media conference on Thursday, Rodgers stated, “If we’re being honest, then everyone would have preferred the closer team, and not the longer journey. But it is what it is. We have been there before, and in the first leg we will want to make a real push to set our standards on that game, and then we will go over there the following week and look to qualify.”

The manager emphasized the importance of the upcoming match, noting, “It is such a huge game, and when it comes, we will be ready for it.” He also mentioned the potential for squad improvements before the deadline, stating, “Hopefully, we can add to the team before then. We have right up until the night before the game to add to the squad, so we hope that can be the case.”

Rodgers acknowledged the club’s history of conducting business towards the end of the transfer window, highlighting the need for timely reinforcements. “All managers and coaches want players in as soon as we can, because you want to be as prepared as you possibly can be,” he said.

Despite the ongoing transfer discussions, Rodgers remains focused on the current squad. He reflected on the team’s solid start to the season, “What I think has gone unnoticed a little bit is that we have made a really good start, we have two wins from two, played well, and I know we will get better, but I can’t knock the performances over the two games to get the results.”

As Celtic prepares for this pivotal encounter, the players and coaching staff are committed to setting the tone for the tie against Kairat Almaty, aiming to secure a strong advantage in front of their home crowd. The outcome of this match could significantly impact their chances of advancing in the Champions League and maintaining their status among Europe’s elite clubs.