“Don’t overthink it, just go and play,” Rodgers issues Tannadice instructions | OneFootball

Brendan Rodgers has urged his players to not overthink the match against Dundee United at Tannadice tomorrow and to just go and play with freedom…

Adam Idah of Celtic celebrates after scoring his team’s third goal during the Scottish Gas Scottish Cup Semi Final match between St Johnstone and Celtic at Hampden Park on April 20, 2025. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

The Celtic manager was speaking to Sky Sports Scotland this afternoon, ahead of his team’s lunchtime clash with Jim Goodwin’s men tomorrow, which will be live on Sky Sports from 11.30am for everyone without a ticket to enjoy. The game is also live on Celtic TV for subscribers based outside of Britain and Ireland.

Celtic need a point to win the title

The match tomorrow will give the Hoops the chance to finally wrap up this season’s Scottish Premiership title and complete the second installment of a potential domestic Treble. Brendan Rodgers himself admitted in an interview with Celtic TV recently that he feels this season could be his best yet at Paradise, eclipsing the Invincible campaign and Treble-winning term he enjoyed as manager first time around or even the Double-Treble season after that too.

Callum McGregor of Celtic celebrates scoring the opening goal during the Scottish Gas Scottish Cup Semi Final match between St Johnstone and Celtic at Hampden Park on April 20, 2025. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Brendan message to his players was simple

His message to his players was simple when it comes to proceedings on Saturday in the City of Discovery. When asked by Luke Shanley, he said: “Well, just the same as we do every game. We want to attack the game. Press the game. And obviously we’re coming into it off the back of two strong performances. So don’t overthink it, just go and play.”

The Irishman admitted that the vast experience he has in that Celtic dressing room is a key ingredient for success in these types of situations. “Yeah, it definitely helps a lot of the players having been through it. As I said, you have to really focus of the performance level. Because for us, we know it’s going to be a really difficult game against Jim’s team’s.

“He’s done fantastic this season with Dundee United, getting them in the top six. People forget they’ve just been promoted as well. And they don’t give up many chances. So, you know you’re going to have to work really hard to get the points.”

Daizen Maeda of Celtic scores his team’s second goal during the Scottish Gas Scottish Cup Semi Final match between St Johnstone and Celtic at Hampden Park on April 20, 2025. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

That goalless draw in December

On the potential conditions and the 0-0 draw last time out, the Celtic boss stated: “Yeah, I think the game that was 0-0 there was in the midst of so many games for every team. No moreso than ourselves. We created a few chances but didn’t quite make the final pass or the final ball.

“And sometimes you need that little bit of luck as well to score. But I think it will be a different game and the conditions will be different. It’s been very nice here in Scotland and I’m sure the pitch will be really nice. But we know we’ll still have to perform well to get the points that we need.”

Daizen Maeda celebrates. St Johnstone v Celtic, Scottish Cup semi-final at Hampden Park on Sunday 20 April 2025. Photo by Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)

13 titles in the last 14 seasons

The Hoops can make it 13 titles in the last 14 seasons and really assert their dominance once again. It’s a remarkable feat and Rodgers said of it: “Well people will say it’s easy but it really isn’t. There’s a huge sacrifice that goes into being that consistent. We’ve seen it so many times with teams. You can play some good games and then switch off and it doesn’t quite materialise for you. But this club isn’t content.

“We want to maintain a standard of performance on and off the pitch as worthy of the club and the supporters. So for us, we still have work to do. And even at that, we’ve set targets for the last five games of the season. To finish this season in the very best way that we can.”

Adam Idah. St Johnstone v Celtic, Scottish Cup semi-final at Hampden Park on Sunday 20 April 2025. Photo by Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)

James Forrest on the verge of becoming Celtic’s most decorated player

When quizzed on James Forrest becoming the most decorated Celt in history, the boss replied: “Well it’s incredible. I think anyone that has been at this club and understands Celtic as a club, knows the pressures that’s here. The expectation that’s here.

James Forrest. St Johnstone v Celtic, Scottish Cup semi-final at Hampden Park on Sunday 20 April 2025. Photo by Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)

“He can become the leader of those accolades.”

“And especially in the position that he plays. Many wingers can come and go at huge clubs. I think it says everything, not just about his ability, but his professionalism. I’ve worked with him since 2016. He’s been absolutely first-class whether he’s played or whether he’s comes off of the bench. But it’s such a huge contribution by James over this real golden period that we’ve had. And it will be absolutely fitting for him we get the next trophy and he can become the leader of those accolades.”

Jota scores. St Johnstone v Celtic, Scottish Cup semi-final at Hampden Park on Sunday 20 April 2025. Photo by Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)

“People really look up to him. You know, the standards that he’s set here over many years”

“The likes of James, he’s been here so long but he’s such a great reference. Really matured now as a man, as well as a player. People really look up to him. You know, the standards that he’s set here over many years. They see his professionalism. You know, how he approaches his profession. One of the first ones in every single day. Works so hard in training. And I think on the training field, all the players recognise his quality. Just that touch, the movement, the cleverness. He’s just a phenomenal player. So yeah, having a player like that is a great reference for a lot of the other players in the squad.”

Paul Gillespie

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