Rodgers Demands Better After His 200th Celtic Win
Brendan Rodgers criticised his team's performance despite securing his 200th victory in charge of Celtic, praising their grit in a stoppage-time comeback.
After achieving his 200th win as Celtic manager, Brendan Rodgers was frank about his team's subpar start to the season.
"We're nowhere near our level," Rodgers told INLIBER Scotland after Celtic came from behind to beat Motherwell with Daizen Maeda's stoppage-time header in a five-goal thriller.
The Parkhead side had taken the lead, conceded, and trailed before Benjamin Nygren equalised in the 69th minute courtesy of a goalkeeping error from Calum Ward. With the team facing a third successive match without victory, Maeda's 92nd-minute strike sealed a crucial 3-2 win.
Despite the victory, Rodgers insisted his squad must raise their game as Celtic moved within two points of league leaders Hearts.
"This win is vital," he said. "The players showed heart, strong mentality, and competitive grit. Even if we're not at our best, you still have to win."
Maeda's Late Goal Highlights Impact of Substitutions
Rodgers praised the influence of his second-half changes. Nygren's equaliser and Michel-Ange Balikwisha's assist set the stage for Maeda's late winner.
Japan international Maeda, who scored just twice in his previous 12 appearances following strong form last season, had been unsettled by transfer speculation in the summer. Rodgers acknowledged the forward's commitment despite the failed move.
"For him and his family, it's huge," Rodgers said. "He's given his heart and soul to this club for four years. Naturally there was disappointment over the summer. But he's shown up, worked hard, and delivered a special moment."
Despite falling short of their best, Celtic's resilience and late goals underlined Rodgers' emphasis on mentality over form.
This topic was reported by BBC Sport.
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