Brendan Rodgers, Celtic’s manager, recently shared his thoughts with Sky Sports News following their dominant 3-0 victory against Hearts last Saturday.
“We scored three excellent goals against a Hearts team who have been doing well,” said Rodgers. “But we need to keep the concentration at the same level and carry that momentum into this game.”
He also touched on the injury situation with goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel. The Danish international has been sidelined due to a shoulder injury, with an initial recovery timeline of five to six weeks. However, Rodgers believes Schmeichel may surprise everyone by returning sooner than expected.
“Medically they’ve said he should be back for the Cup final,” Rodgers explained. “That’s the timeline we’ve been given. He can still maneuver and work technically, but working with his hands and diving, not yet. He’s rarely been injured in his career, so it’s a new experience for him. But he’s a real leader, and it’s great to have him on the training pitch with us.”
SPL Size Change Discussion
Rodgers was also asked about potential changes to the Scottish Premiership’s size. The league has been under discussion for expansion or contraction, but Rodgers expressed his preference for keeping the current structure intact.
“I certainly wouldn’t want it to be smaller,” he said. “I think ideally, if you could increase it, it would be better. There are financial ramifications and the number of games you would play. My general feeling is it doesn’t need to be smaller.”
Celtic’s Title Run and Focus for the Final Games
As Celtic approaches the final stretch of the season, Rodgers remains focused on securing the title. With only three wins needed to claim the trophy, he emphasized the importance of maintaining focus and consistency.
“It’s day on day,” Rodgers insisted. “The weather we’ve had can make you feel relaxed, but in fairness, the players have been brilliant. They are really focused. The finish line is there. But it’s there in the distance. We need to concentrate each day, work hard, and take that into each game.”
CAS to Hear Fast-Track Appeal Over León’s Club World Cup Expulsion
In another major football development, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) will hear a fast-track appeal next month from Mexican football club León. The club is attempting to overturn a decision by FIFA that banned it from the upcoming Club World Cup in the United States.
FIFA’s ruling last month also affects Pachuca, as both clubs share the same owner. León and Pachuca have separately filed appeals, seeking to reverse the decision and secure their participation in the prestigious tournament.
