Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
David Irvine

Brendan Rodgers calls out Celtic critics after thumping win over St Johnstone

Brendan Rodgers has called out Celtic detractors from last season after the thumping 6-0 win over St Johnstone.

The Parkhead boss referenced comments from last season as he hailed a "perfect night" in Perth.

Making reference to remarks on Celtic 'not playing good football', Rodgers said of the start to the season with 33 goals in nine outings and no goals conceded in the league: "Yeah, not bad for a team that doesn't play good football...

"I think that's what we were told last year, wasn't it? I think that was the accusation.

"We were too slow and we didn't play football and we didn't score enough goals. And so it's not bad for a team that's not playing good football."


Read more: 


On the scintillating win over St Johnstone, Rodgers commented: "Yes, I felt tonight was an opportunity for us to show a real mentality. I think obviously all I know is that before the game and a lot of the focus was on the Champions League game on Tuesday, but I thought we had the chance to show a Champions League mentality, but at home and from the first whistle to the very last whistle, the players were absolutely brilliant.

"Defensively strong, counter-pressing, incredible, great attitude to win the ball back. I'm not sure what the stats were in the game, but we really respected the percentage that we didn't have the ball.

"We were really aggressive in getting it back and none more. So in the end, with Daizen in the 86th minute, tracking the back to win the ball. So that's the part of the game that really, really pleased me.

"The other work then, that gives you the opportunity to be as creative and free-flowing. And obviously, the goals were fantastic goals. So, yes, a perfect night for us."

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.