Brendan Rodgers makes admission about squad after lacklustre Celtic display v Rangers
Brendan Rodgers has admitted that the winter break has come at a good time for his tiring Celtic squad.
The Bhoys have been in action practically non-stop since July, juggling matches in the Scottish Premiership, Champions League group stages and Betfred Cup.
The team looked jaded and sluggish in their lacklustre 0-0 draw against Rangers and Rodgers revealed that the number of games played has started to catch up with his squad.
“I think the group very much look in need of a break,” he said, as quoted by the Sunday Post.
“It is obvious in terms of the number of games we have played (38 for the season and 61 for the year) and everything that goes into it.
“Up here, you virtually have back-to-back seasons so there is no real rest.”
Celtic dominated the first-half of the match, but the second-half belonged to Rangers, and the Bhoys had Craig Gordon to thank for winning them a point after he pulled off an incredible save to deny Alfredo Morelos’ close-range header.
Despite the players running on empty, the Hoops are still in a good position ahead of their upcoming trip to Dubai.
They remain 11 points clear of Rangers in the Scottish Premiership table and eight points clear of second placed Aberdeen, who could only draw 0-0 with Hearts.
Brendan Rodgers’ side also retained the Betfred Cup and secured a place in the Europa League last 32 and European football after Christmas for the first time in three years.
The Hoops return to action after the trip to Dubai with a Scottish Cup tie against Brechin on the 20th of January.
In other Celtic news, Jozo Simunovic has been linked with a move to Burnley.
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