Beaming Brendan Rodgers saluted his brave Celtic players for bouncing back from their Borussua Dortmund battering to battle their way to a point in Bergamo against Europa League champions Atalanta.
The Irishman was filled with pride at the defensive display in the goalless draw as they shut out the Serie A top scorers and Rodgers insists the message before the game was the same as prior to the 7-1 drubbing in Germany – but that this time they had a bit of good fortune in northern Italy.
Celtic are now well on course for a play off spot and Rodgers told TNT Sport: “It felt great. I said before the game we knew the level we were playing against. We were playing against the team that’s the highest goal scorers in Italian football and one of the favourites for this competition and the players had the courage to stand up to the fight and right to the very end. To keep a clean sheet was a brilliant defensive performance.
“There’s 80 per cent of things you can control in a football match and 20 per cent you can’t. Referees decisions, luck going against you. If I look at that game in Dortmund there were four goals, two penalties, deflections went against us. But at this level you know the quality can really hurt you so I said before the game it was about being compact and tight. It was the same plan in Dortmund but they broke through that and the quality came through.
“It was making sure we had the same mentality, same courage, and I felt we also carried a threat when we had the ball. Our inexperience at this level shows at times when we’re hurried and give it away too cheaply but it’s step by step.
“To come to Atalanta, a team of this level, and to have that concentration and play with that commitment was very pleasing. Each day of my life I’m learning – until my very last breath – that’s the type of person I am. That’s what allows you to springboard even further than where you were. We didn’t want the Borussia Dortmund feeling again in the changing room and that’s allowed the trampoline effect and it’s a great feeling to come to a top opponent, defend well and keep a clean sheet.
“If you look at the games we’ve played – the two level of opponents away from home and the home game – then four points is a good start and a lot of learning but we have five more games and we know where we want to get to and hopefully it gives us a chance. But we focus on tonight, analyse the game, so much courage and bravery and I’m really happy for the players and fans because the Dortmund result really hurt. The fans will have great pride in the team and it continues a really good start to the season for us.”