Despite dropping points for only the second time this season, Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers is not too concerned about the 0-0 draw with Dundee United. According to pundits, Rodgers can afford a draw, especially with a depleted squad and two huge games coming up against Motherwell and St Johnstone. The draw means Celtic goes into Christmas Day nine points ahead of Rangers, a position that has historically been unassailable.
Former Celtic goalkeeper Pat Bonner believes that the team has worked hard early in the season to afford a day like this, where they can drop points and still maintain a significant lead at the top of the league. Bonner’s comments suggest that Celtic’s strong start to the season has given them a cushion, allowing them to absorb a draw like this without too much damage to their title hopes.
Aiden McGeady shares the same view, pointing out that the team has two big home games coming up, which will give them the opportunity to make amends and take maximum points. McGeady notes that Rodgers has a big squad to manage, with many players and personalities to consider, and that he is not too despondent about the draw. This suggests that Rodgers is taking a long-term view, recognizing that the team will have ups and downs throughout the season, but is confident in their ability to bounce back from setbacks.
Chris Sutton agrees, stating that Celtic were not good enough in the final third, but that it’s not easy for fringe players to come in and perform at the required level, especially with big players missing. Sutton’s comments highlight the challenges that Celtic faced in the game, with several key players absent due to injury or illness. Despite this, Sutton believes that the team should still have been able to create more chances and take the three points.
Rodgers himself refused to make excuses about the depleted squad, but it’s clear that the absence of key players like Nicolas Kuhn, Cameron Carter-Vickers, Auston Trusty, and Alistair Johnston was a factor in the flat performance. Rodgers is known for his ability to motivate his players and get the best out of them, but even he cannot perform miracles with a depleted squad.
Despite this, Rodgers remains upbeat, saying that the players have been brilliant up until this point and that he can’t complain. He acknowledges that the team needs to do better in the final third, but gives credit to Dundee United for defending well and making blocks. Rodgers’ comments suggest that he is focused on the positives, recognizing that the team has had a great season so far, and is confident that they can continue to perform well in the coming games.
Overall, the pundits believe that Rodgers is not too concerned about the draw, given the team’s position in the league and the upcoming games. They think that he is focusing on the bigger picture and is confident that the team can make amends and take maximum points in the next two games. With a healthy lead at the top of the league, Celtic is still on track for a possible Invincible season, and the draw with Dundee United is just a minor blip on the radar.
The article also highlights the fact that Rodgers is managing a big squad with many players and personalities, and that he needs to make tough decisions about who to play and when. Despite the challenges, Rodgers remains confident in his team’s ability to perform and is looking forward to the next two games, where they can make amends and take maximum points.
In conclusion, the draw with Dundee United is not a major concern for Rodgers or the pundits, given the team’s position in the league and the upcoming games. The team has worked hard to afford a day like this, and with two big home games coming up, they have the opportunity to make amends and take maximum points. Rodgers is confident in his team’s ability to perform, and the pundits believe that he is focusing on the bigger picture and is not too despondent about the draw.
The draw with Dundee United may have been a disappointment, but it is not a disaster. Celtic is still in a strong position in the league, and with a few key players returning from injury, they should be able to get back to winning ways soon. The team’s spirit and determination have been key factors in their success so far, and there is no reason to believe that they will not be able to bounce back from this setback.
Rodgers’ ability to manage the squad and make tough decisions will be crucial in the coming games. He needs to get the best out of his players, and make sure that they are all working together as a team. With the right tactics and the right players on the pitch, Celtic should be able to take maximum points from their next two games and maintain their lead at the top of the league.
Overall, the draw with Dundee United is just a minor setback for Celtic, and they should be able to bounce back from it. With a strong squad, a good manager, and a healthy lead at the top of the league..