Rodgers 'frustration' over Celtic fixture schedule

Brendan Rodgers echoed the thoughts of Rangers counterpart Philippe Clement

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has expressed "frustration" about domestic fixture schedules, claiming live television coverage takes priority over a team's chances in European competition.

Champions League opponents Borussia Dortmund have had their domestic game brought forward, while the Northern Irishman's team have to play on Saturday evening.

Dortmund face Bochum in the Bundesliga on Friday, while Celtic's game against St Johnstone in Perth was pushed to a later slot after being selected for television coverage by Premier Sports.

The Scottish champions then travel to Germany on Monday before taking on Dortmund the following day.

"For all British teams, it is a frustration," Rodgers said. "Borussia Dortmund play Bochum on Friday night, so they're able to move the game and it gives them three full days to prepare for the game.

"For us, we probably won't be home until after midnight from the game on Saturday and it's a very quick turnaround with travel."

Rodgers echoed the thoughts of Rangers counterpart Philippe Clement, who suggested earlier this season the Scottish Professional Football League could give more help to European representatives.

"It's the same for all British teams," the Celtic manager said. "The TV and the slots seems to take priority over the game and preparation. We're not the only team that's happened to.

"The European teams have their slots and they'll find agreements to help their teams prepare the best they can."

Motherwell and Dundee United played in the Premier Sports Cup last Friday in a game that was streamed by the broadcaster and Fir Park had its highest turnout of home fans for a domestic game for more than a decade.

"If there's a Friday night slot, that could work well," Rodgers added. "A Friday night game can be a really good game to open up the weekend.

"I think, in fairness, in Germany there's more Friday night slots for their TV games, which means that they can then probably request that, which then gives them the extra recovery.

"Having been in the Premier League and seen it there across many years, that at times takes priority over the the wellbeing and the preparation for footballers."