Celtic

Jane Lewis
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has been speaking to the media before his side’s Champions League match against RB Leipzig on Tuesday.

Here are some of the key points he made:

• Rodgers says "every game for Celtic in the Champions League is like a cup final" and that his side will "need to bring their 'A-game'" against Leipzig tomorrow with a near perfect performance required against the Bundesliga club.

• The manager says he's expecting a similar challenge to the one they faced against Atalanta and Borussia Dortmund as he views Leipzig as "a top team, who have everything you want in a top European side - speed, strength, power and technique." He adds that, "it's a brilliant challenge for his side, and one they're looking forward too".

• Rodgers says patience will be key in this match and that while players will want to press at times, they won't be able to sustain that. He also knows Celtic will have to defend for good periods and defend with concentration and commitment.

• The Celtic manager also sent a message to fans warning against the use of pyrotechnics, saying "it's not something we want to see, especially with that Uefa sanction hanging over the fans".

• In regards to team news, he says everyone is OK but wouldn't be drawn on whether he has a hard decision to make at centre-back between Auston Trusty and Liam Scales.

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In the league, Aberdeen and Celtic have been inseparable so far this season. It was a totally different story on Saturday in the League Cup.

Brendan Rodgers' side blew the Dons away at Hampden, with a seismic win.

"They were absolutely fantastic," Aiden McGeady said of his former side's display on the Scottish Football Podcast. "The way that I looked at that game yesterday was almost like - I don't want to be too disrespectful to Rangers here - that was the rivalry now.

"You see the way that all the players celebrated when they scored. You see the fans, hear the noise in the stadium. It made me feel that Aberdeen have jumped ahead of Rangers, especially in the league.

"It almost was as if think the team had added impetus going on from that league game, as if they had almost something to prove."

Celtic were 2-0 up on Aberdeen at Parkhead just a few weeks ago, before the visitors came back to draw 2-2 and continue their unbeaten start under new manager Jimmy Thelin.

"They've dropped two points at home against Aberdeen, then they get them in the League Cup semi-final. A lot of praise has been showered on Thelin and his recruitment and his adaptation to the Scottish game and the way the players are brought into his style of play.

"But every single player on the park played free-flowing attacking football. [Daizen] Maeda was fantastic, but I think the outstanding player in Scottish football this season has been Nicholas Kuhn. Every time he’s on the pitch, he impacts the game and yesterday was no different."

• Aiden McGeady was speaking on the Scottish Football Podcast, which you can listen and subscribe to here on BBC Sounds.

Jonathan Sutherland
Sportscene presenter

It'll be of no shock that Celtic players dominate my team of the week.

Alistair Johnston's energy, aggression and tenacity was imperative to Celtic at the national stadium. The man’s a machine at right-back for Brendan Rodgers' side.

Cameron Carter-Vickers is the best central defender in the Premiership and got the ball rolling and the scoring going against Aberdeen.

Reo Hatate put in another superb display in midfield on the big stage. A Rolls-Royce when he’s in the mood.

Nicolas Kuhn grabbed an assist and a goal - again! A signing who was a slow burner but one who is now consistently one of Celtic’s key men.

Daizen Maeda was just outstanding. A physical phenomenon with his pace, drive and turbo-charged attitude. A hat-trick and an assist. Utterly superb.

With three of Celtic’s next four matches in the Champions League at home, defender Cameron Carter-Vickers believes they will be defining, saying: "If we can get something from the game on Tuesday (RB Leipzig), we'll almost be there." (Daily Record), external

Read the rest of Monday's Scottish gossip.

We asked for your thoughts on Celtic's 6-0 League Cup semi-final win against Aberdeen.

Here's a taste of what you had to say:

Stephen: Although Celtic were three up in the first half and our manager gets booked for diving, I felt we weren't in total control of the game. The second half was a totally brilliant half. Celtic were magnificent. Another three goals scored and a clean sheet. Kasper Schmeichel didn't have much to do. Great result against an Aberdeen side who have been very impressive this season.

Charles: This result and performance has been coming and really shouldn’t be that too much of a surprise. 2-0 at half time at Celtic Park, Aberdeen were let off the hook, a very casual and unprofessional approach to the second half allowed them the unlikely draw and on reflection deserved in the end, they weren't so fortunate this time!

Jim: We blew Aberdeen away with our intensity and the pace of game. They had no answer except to try and foul and disrupt our rhythm. A stricter referee would have sent off at least one or two Aberdeen players.

David: Aberdeen put to the sword by a highly impressive Celtic who were totally on their 'A' game. Terrific performance, best this season. Celtic fully recovered from their own big European hammering. Daizen Maeda was the star of the show. Commentators saying the Dons were poor compared to recent performances; that's because Celtic didn't allow it. Brilliant!

Daithi: Absolutely outstanding performance. What a passing master class by Celtic. Have said all season that no Scottish club can handle our style of fast passing football and clinical finishing at this moment in time. Our players have the hunger to play for the shirt and more importantly our great club.

Benny: A totally dominant display from an on fire Celtic that slapped Aberdeen down with relative ease. Right from the delayed kick off Celtic looked up for it and were sharp all over the pitch. They had way too much energy and class for a resurgent Aberdeen and I'm hopeful they can take this kind of form going into Europe midweek.

Paul: Just far too good, showed their strength and mentality for winning and will do the treble this year. I think they will also qualify for the knock out stage of the Champions League and will get better as the season progresses, plus some more signings in January.

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Nicolas Kuhn says Celtic still have room for improvement despite their 6-0 thrashing of Aberdeen - Scotland's other form side - to reach the League Cup final.

The 24-year-old winger scored the fifth goal at Hampden to set up a meeting with either Motherwell or holders Rangers.

"I think, if you win 6-0, you don't have to play better, but of course there are things to improve and we are going to do that," Kuhn told BBC Scotland.

The victory ended Aberdeen's 16-game unbeaten run since manager Jimmy Thelin arrived this summer while extending Celtic's own unbeaten domestic run to 13.

The Dons are the only Scottish side to deny Celtic a win after coming from two goals down to draw 2-2 in Glasgow last month.

Asked if that Premiership match was in his side's minds, Kuhn replied: "Not too much, but we all knew we had to do better and today was the cup and the goal was to get into the final.

"We learned our lesson from the league game against them and today we scored some good goals."

The German was not concerned about the result sending a message to their league rivals.

"I think it can be a statement, but we just did really well and we focus on us," Kuhn added.

"There is a still a long way to go, but we are going to focus on ourselves and, if we keep performing like this, everything is in our hands."

Leipzig's Scottish assistant coach Cameron Campbell, 33, says he "grew up playing Football Manager", which contributed to his transition from playing to coaching, with the German side visiting Celtic Park on Tuesday. (Sunday Mail), external

Read Sunday's Scottish gossip

Manager Brendan Rodgers reflects on Celtic's performance and his fall on the sidelines after his side secured a place in the Scottish League Cup final by thrashing Aberdeen 6-0.

Were you at Hampden or following the match from home?

Either way, we want your views on the game - have your say here, external.

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Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers: "An outstanding team performance. You come up against a team that has been so, so good.

"We knew it would be a challenge. We had to bring our A-game. And the players did that, in particular during the second half.

"We were ruthless. We worked the ball really well to create the space and made good runs. Lots of really good moments.

"It's a beautiful pitch here at Hampden. It's perfect for the football we want to play."

Nick McPheat
BBC Sport Scotland

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Celtic shipped a two-goal lead in the draw earlier this month, so Brendan Rodgers' side had a point to prove and they did that by delivering an ominous message to the Dons.

Albeit in a different competition, the win severely dents any chat about a potential season-long title race between the clubs, who both travelled to Hampden with unbeaten domestic records.

Nicolas Kuhn and Daizen Maeda were simply unplayable at times, although Aberdeen will feel they could have done better in spells.

Maeda's relentless penetrating runs gave Aberdeen right-back Nicky Devlin a torrid evening and his run and set-up play for Kyogo Furuhashi's goal was breathtaking.

German winger Kuhn, meanwhile, showed immense quality with line-breaking passes and a stunning run in the lead-up to Maeda's second. Kuhn's thumping finish for Celtic's fifth capped a superb performance.

It was a Celtic display that asserted their domestic dominance - and Rangers boss Philippe Clement and Motherwell manager Stuart Kettlewell would have watched knowing whatever team gets to the final will need to deliver an almighty showing to claim the trophy.

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Celtic captain Callum McGregor insists Aberdeen "deserve" to be where they are this season.

The midfielder, 31, says his side will be treating Saturday's Premier Sports Cup semi-final with the "utmost respect", with the Dons level on points with the Scottish Premiership leaders after 10 games.

They drew 2-2 when they met in the league earlier this season and McGregor expects a tough test at Hampden.

"When you watch them, they're really well organised, they've got a really good idea of what they're trying to do and then what the wins do is they just gather belief and as soon as that happens then momentum can be such a big thing in football," said McGregor.

"They've obviously done a lot of good work over the summer and they've carried that into the games and you speak about that snowball effect.

"They are where they are and they deserve to be there. So we have to treat everyone with the utmost respect and bring our level to the game.

"I’ve been really impressed by them and it will be another tough game."

Former Celtic and captain Paul Lambert is enjoying travelling in his mid-50s after various stints in the dugout with clubs in England. (Sun), external

Aberdeen are seeking to end a 32-year wait for a Hampden win over Celtic in Saturday's Premier Sports Cup semi-final. (Scotsman - subscription), external

Read Saturday's Scottish gossip

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Celtic welcome back Callum McGregor, Adam Idah and Nicolas Kuhn from injury. The cup-tied Luke McCowan will drop out while Odin Thiago Holm remains out with calf problems.

Aberdeen striker Kevin Nisbet is expected to return from injury. Dante Polvara is training after a hamstring injury but unlikely to feature and Pape Habib Gueye (quad) remains out.

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Last season's League Cup disappointment is fuelling Celtic's "hunger" to beat Aberdeen on Saturday and secure a place in the final, says Brendan Rodgers.

The Celtic manager suffered the first cup defeat of his tenure across two spells when his side were knocked out by Kilmarnock in the last 16 in August 2023.

Now he is keen to make amends and move within 90 minutes of a fourth League Cup success.

"It certainly gives us hunger," Rodgers said.

"We missed out on that one last season but a year down the line we're in a far different place to last year.

"Our hunger is there to reach our first final, we were really disappointed last year that we didn't and we weren't up to challenge for that trophy.

"But we are this time and we have a great opportunity on Saturday."

Rodgers has a perfect record at Hampden of 11 wins from 11 and says "ensuring you stay calm in your approach" is crucial.

He added: "It's about that balance between being super-aggressive when you haven't got the ball, showing that hunger to get it and being defensively organised.

"And then play with calmness and speed when you have the ball. That's something we have always preached.

"Every game is a big game for us so the mantra this week isn't so different. When you are a Celtic player or manager, every game is huge and, obviously, a semi-final at Hampden is also a big game."

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Brendan Rodgers has been speaking to the media as Celtic prepare to face Aberdeen in Saturday's League Cup semi-final.

Here are the main points:

• The Celtic boss says his side are "in a really good place" with players available for Saturday. Captain Callum McGregor is set to return, with only Odin Thiago Holm missing through injury.

• On Aberdeen's threat, Rodgers says Celtic should have won the game at Parkhead but got punished for slackness in the 2-2 draw. He adds it's more evidence that Aberdeen have quality players "that can hurt you".

• That 2-2 draw at Celtic a few weeks ago "will be a learning [experience]" for his players.

• Rodgers says he's not surprised by Aberdeen's form this season and he always expects the Dons to be challenging at the top end of the table. The competition Jimmy Thelin's side are offering is "healthy" and "makes you better".

• Celtic's League Cup exit last season "gives us hunger" to lift the trophy this time round and Rodgers is insistent the team are in a much better place than a year ago.

• He adds: "The League Cup was the one that eluded us last season and that didn't sit comfortably with us."

• In terms of team selection, Rodgers acknowledges he has a few decisions to make and says "sentiment doesn't come into it - I need to pick the best team to win the game".

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• Aberdeen have lost all nine Hampden meetings with Celtic since last beating them at the national stadium 32 years ago when Eoin Jess scored in a 1-0 win in the League Cup semi-final.

• Celtic and Aberdeen last met in the League Cup in the 2018 final, with the Parkhead side - led by Brendan Rodgers in his first spell in charge - lifting the trophy after Ryan Christie scored the only goal.

• Aberdeen have won the League Cups six times, with their last coming in 2014 when they beat Inverness CT on penalties after a goalless draw.

• Celtic have won the League Cup on 21 occasions, most recently in 2023 when they beat Rangers 2-1 in the final.

• Aberdeen lost the final 1-0 last year to Rangers, the 10th time the Dons have finished runners-up.

• The Pittodrie men, who started in the group stage, have won six ties against lower-league sides to reach Hampden, scoring 20 goals and conceding just one (a 2-1 win over Aridrie).

• Celtic have made the last four by beating Hibs 3-1 and Falkirk 5-2.

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Celtic must "seal the deal" in games where they take the lead, says centre-back Auston Trusty as he looks to help Brendan Rodgers' side reach the League Cup final.

The Parkhead club face Aberdeen in Saturday's semi-final just two weeks after the Dons' impressive comeback from 2-0 down for a point in Glasgow's east end.

"When you are up 2-0 then you want to seal the deal in the game," Trusty said.

"We'll go into this game very confident. But if we are in that position again then [we have to] seal the deal.

"We approach every game as a challenge so that is going to be the mindset again. We don't take any game easy or lightly. That is about respecting our opponent.

"But it doesn't matter who we are playing, we want to go out there and play our game. If we do that, the game takes care of itself.

"You focus on who you are playing against, but you also really focus on within."

Trusty started alongside USA team-mate Cameron Carter-Vickers for the first time since joining Celtic two months ago when his fellow centre-back completed his comeback from a toe injury against Dundee in midweek.

"I've known him for quite a bit now so it was nice playing alongside him. Overall it was really good," the former Sheffield United player said.

A rest for Liam Scales meant Trusty was playing on the left side of central defence, his natural position, for the first time at Celtic but he is happy to fit in wherever needed.

"I'll do whatever is needed for the team," he said. "That's my mindset and I think I've shown my capabilities to play any position along the backline."

Sportscene pundit Michael Stewart assesses the impact of Alistair Johnston at Celtic after the Canada right-back made it two goals in two games with the opener against Dundee in midweek.

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