Brendan Rodgers Demands Improvement After Celtic's Gritty 200th Win
Manager Brendan Rodgers admitted Celtic were below their best despite a late comeback earning him his 200th victory as Celtic boss.
Brendan Rodgers was frank about Celtic's below-par performance even after securing his 200th win in charge.
In a dramatic Scottish Premiership clash with Motherwell, Celtic fell behind before Benjamin Nygren capitalised on a goalkeeper error to level. Then, in the 92nd minute, Daizen Maeda's header sealed a 3-2 victory, extending Celtic's unbeaten league start.
Although pleased with the result, Rodgers insisted his side "were nowhere near our level" and stressed the importance of mentality and resilience.
Maeda's Late Winner Lifts Spirits
Rodgers praised the impact of substitutes Benjamin Nygren and Michel-Ange Balikwisha but reserved special commendation for Japan forward Daizen Maeda. After scoring 33 goals and providing 12 assists last season, Maeda had managed only two goals in 12 games amid blocked transfer moves and growing frustration.
"All summer speculation clearly affected him," Rodgers acknowledged. "Yet he continued to give his heart and soul to the club." The dramatic winner, Rodgers hopes, could reignite Maeda's form.
"The players showed unbelievable heart and grit, finding a win even when we weren't at our best," Rodgers said.
This topic was reported by BBC Sport.
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