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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
Aidan Smith

Brendan Rodgers dismisses Celtic 'apprehension' in 'people forget when it suits' memo

Brendan Rodgers has dismissed any idea of "apprehension" as he prepares for Celtic's Scottish Premiership opener this weekend.

The Northern Irishman will take charge of his first competitive game of his second stint as manager as the Hoops take on Ross County on Saturday.

Rodgers' appointment has been met with a mixed reaction from the Celtic support, but the former Liverpool and Leicester boss is fully concentrated on his team rather than outside noise.

He told Sky Sports: "There is no apprehension. I made a decision to leave, which I've said before I didn't regret.

"Celtic done well after I left. I had a good spell at Leicester. 

"I have now come back and I have had great support from the Celtic supporters.

"Listen, you won't always get everyone on side, but my experience in life tells me people forget when it suits.

"And they forget when it is convenient. My job is to just concentrate, the priority is the players and the staff, making sure that we can be the best that we can be in order to help the supporters dream again.

"That is what I am looking to achieve. I am pretty sure the first time I was here not everybody was behind me and it will probably be the same here.

"As long as everyone supports the team and gives them everything that they normally do at Celtic Park, then hopefully we can have a great season again."

Celtic play Spanish side Athletic Bilbao in James Forrest’s testimonial game at Parkhead on Tuesday night before the Scottish champions begin the league season against County.

Rodgers added: “I just think it’s building again on the fitness aspects, the positioning.

“The team obviously plays well but there are certain phases of the game where we can improve. I thought in the build-up in the early stages we were very good, and then it’s dealing with a little bit more pressure.

“On Tuesday we’ll play two 45-minute teams. We need to get some minutes into their legs and obviously then that will be a final preparation game before the season starts. So that’s the idea for Tuesday.”

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