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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
David Irvine

Loaded Celtic fixture schedule sparks Brendan Rodgers SPFL 'help' plea

Brendan Rodgers has called on Scottish football chiefs to stop putting clubs at a disadvantage in Europe through loaded fixture schedules.

The Celtic boss reckons Scottish clubs are up against in continental competition with little room to manoeuvre in the domestic calendar.

Atletico Madrid have had their fixtures altered ahead of the return group stage contest against Celtic in order to allow better preparation to compete.

However, Celtic face a trip to Dingwall the day after Atletico play Las Palmas ahead of the Champions League match on Tuesday, November 7.

And Rodgers has insisted it's clear that small changes to the calendar can have a crucial impact in European competition as he urged the SPFL to support Scottish clubs going forward.

The Celtic boss commented: "The one thing I would always ask is if there’s ever a possibility (to help). It always seems to be a challenge in British football where federations can actually help the teams. 

"If you look at us we played on Wednesday here. We played on Sunday and Atletico Madrid played on the Saturday and 24 hours is absolutely massive in football for recovery. It’s not rocket science to know that in the last 15 minutes you might be fatiguing a wee bit due to that day less recovery. If you look at the next time we play Atletico Madrid they normally, traditionally play on a Sunday but they are playing on a Friday night.

"We have got Dingwall on the Saturday then on a Tuesday. If they can help in any way can they help? That’s what I would say to give their teams a chance at the very highest level. We are travelling away to a top, top team and you go then with a disadvantage straight away in terms of physicality.

"So it would be great if any of the teams in Europe here can get support. That would be very, very helpful in every aspect — the coefficient, it gives everyone a chance. 

"It’s in the best interest of all the clubs. If you are doing well everyone gets a share of the money. Less qualifiers? More chance of group stage football? That’s right and you get the cash for it. Any help from the federation would be nice."

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