Celtic Park: A Cauldron of Passion
Brendan Rodgers is banking on the electric atmosphere at Celtic Park to give his side the much-needed edge against Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League knockout phase play-off first leg. The Scottish champions and the German giants will face off in Glasgow, and Rodgers is confident that the fervent support from the home crowd can propel his team to a favorable result. "The atmosphere will be supercharged," Rodgers told TNT Sports. "The backing we get will really drive the players forward. It’s why so many Bayern Munich players are excited about playing here. They admire the atmosphere, but they should also know that they can be hurt in this arena."
A Venue of Fear and Admiration
Celtic Park has earned a reputation as one of the most intimidating venues in European football. Rodgers has been working to ensure that it is not just a place for visitors to admire but a place where they can be genuinely threatened. "This is a stadium with an atmosphere that can rattle the best of teams," he emphasized. "If our players perform to their best, they can really hurt the opposition. Our aim is to make this a fortress that even the likes of Bayern Munich will struggle to breach."
Rodgers Praises Kompany’s Tactical Acumen
In a show of mutual respect, Rodgers also had high praise for his counterpart, Vincent Kompany. He spoke about the Belgian coach’s remarkable journey and the tactical blueprint he has implemented at Bayern Munich. "I always felt it was Vincent’s destiny to become a successful coach," Rodgers said. "He has the knowledge, passion, and professionalism required. He was a wonderful player, having played against the teams I managed in the Premier League. I know him well, and I can see how his team plays. They are very intense in the press, and they have the technical and tactical qualities to execute his vision."
A Proven Track Record Against Bundesliga Opposition
Celtic’s recent performances in the UEFA Champions League have provided a strong foundation of confidence for the team. The Scottish champions have already shown their mettle by defeating RB Leipzig 3-1 in the league phase and securing a 0-0 draw away at Atalanta. "We can take huge confidence knowing that we can compete at this level," Rodgers added. "These are ‘belief games’ where you have to have the authority and personality to stand tall. Most players and teams at this level are very good, but it’s the belief that sets the top teams apart."
The Importance of Belief and Identity
Rodgers believes that physical and technical prowess alone is not enough to compete at the highest level. "When you get to these stages, you’re facing teams that believe they can win the competition," he noted. "Bayern Munich will certainly be one of them. We take a lot of confidence from our previous games because we know that physically, we can compete. More importantly, we have a footballing identity that can cause these teams problems."
Streaming the Action: TNT Sports and Discovery+
For football fans in the UK, the upcoming UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, and UEFA Conference League matches will be available on TNT Sports. Over 500 matches will be streamed across the 2024-25 season, and discovery+ offers a comprehensive subscription that includes TNT Sports, Eurosport, and entertainment in one destination. This means that fans can enjoy the rich tapestry of European football from the comfort of their homes, all while supporting their favorite teams in their quests for glory.
