The Celts travel to the capital on Saturday to take on Hearts at Tynecastle as the club sides return to SPFL duty following the latest international break. The sides met at Celtic Park earlier in the season with two of the new Bhoys, Arne Engels from the spot, and Luke McCowan scoring their first goals for the club in the 2-0 win. That was just one of a string of losses for the Tynecastle side, but theyâve pulled in a few wins since the managerial change that saw Neil Critchley take up the reins. The Celts, though, have continued to rack up the points under Brendan Rodgers although the side are expecting a typically tough test at the Gorgie venue. The game, though, is just one of a raft of fixtures coming up on the festive calendar amid a heavy schedule. The manager said: âWeâre in a really good place mentally and physically. ‘Weâre playing well, playing at a really high level and we have a squad where I can change it about and freshen it up when we need to.’ âWeâre excited by that challenge of game after game. âWe have to play, we have to recover, and from a management and coaching perspective youâre then looking to make sure you get the balance right in the teams, to ensure we have the energy in the games. âBut what is key is that you just look at the next game and thatâs the mantra of any coaching manager. âI canât think too far ahead. We can only think of Hearts and make sure we are ready physically and mentally for that one, then get ready for the next one.âHearts, indeed, are next on the fixture list as the Celts look to further their championship credentials with another win. Brendan Rodgers added: ââIâm looking forward to it. Itâs always an intense game and I think that Hearts, in terms of the position they are in, it doesnât align with some of the performances they have had. âTheyâve performed fairly well from what Iâve seen, but not quite got the results. âWith Neil coming in, heâs an excellent coach who will look to organise them and get them working hard, and playing good football. âSo, like in every game, we expect a tough game.â Watch the full interview to hear the manager on: The AGM European and domestic football Alistair Johnstonâs new deal Greg Taylor Squad availability More on the game Keep up with the action on Saturday â Match Centre Training Gallery: Hearts v Celtic â
Celtic FC · Nov 22, 2024
Manager looking forward to Hearts challenge
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