When Celtic Park hosts Bavarian powerhouse Bayern Munich in Glasgow on Wednesday, Brendan Rodgers is looking to the team’s 12th man to make the difference once more. In this two-leg knockout phase play-off match, the six-time European champions will be the favorites to advance, but Rodgers is banking on Vincent Kompany’s players to feel as intimidated as possible.
Brendan Rodgers is hoping that his team will have an advantage over Bayern Munich in Wednesday’s UEFA Champions League match because of the cauldron-like atmosphere inside Celtic Park.
The first leg of the knockout phase play-off between the two sides will take place in Glasgow, and Rodgers is hoping that the home crowd can help his team win.
“The atmosphere will be supercharged – the backing we get will really drive the players forward and it’s why there’s probably so many of the Bayern Munich guys who are interested in playing here,” Rodgers said to TNT Sports.
“The environment is what makes them eager to attend. However, I believe that what we’ve done over the past two seasons, especially this one, is to make it more than just a place to come and admire—it’s a place to come and realize that you may get harmed here.”The players can seriously harm you as an opponent if they play to their level at this stadium, which has a certain vibe. Thus, that is our goal before the game.
“This first leg is at home with our supporters and we want to ensure we’re very much in the tie going over to Germany.”We’ll have every chance thanks to the support we’ll receive.”
Rodgers also talked highly of his Bayern colleague Vincent Kompany, discussing the tactical plan the Belgian has created in Bavaria.
It’s perfectly acceptable to have the expertise to be a good manager or coach, but you also need to be passionate and professional. I always thought that maybe it was his destiny.
I see Vincent like that. He would have faced the three Premier League teams I managed—Swansea, Leicester, and Liverpool—because he was an amazing player.
“As a player, I am familiar with him. He clearly took the first steps toward managing, returning to Anderlecht and then to Burnley, where he effectively secured their promotion. Naturally, he then has the chance to visit Bayern Munich, one of the world’s best clubs.
He has performed admirably; I can see how the team plays the way he wants them to, which is fierce in the press, and they possess the technical and tactical skills to play the way he desires.
After defeating RB Leipzig 3-1 on matchday 4 of the league round, Celtic has already defeated Bundesliga opponents in the competition.
The Scottish champions’ ability to perform well on the road was demonstrated when they drew 0-0 against Atalanta.
