John Kennedy hails Celtic 3-0 performance at Livingston | OneFootball

While Brendan Rodgers took a seat in the stand at Livingston thank to his one-match ban, assistant manager, John Kennedy took up the baton in the dugout and watched the Hoops deliver a 3-0 win mainly thank to a commanding second-half performance in West Lothian.

The three points were vital considering what lies ahead for the Celts with the split looming, and Kennedy was delighted with the capture of full points and the display of the side.

He said: “What we were pretty much focusing on was the performance. Coming here it’s always easy to get wrapped up in the pitch, but our focus was purely football.“I think you seen that from the players in terms of at half-time we could have been a goal or two up, but we just had to be patient.

“It’s easy at this point in the season, when there’s a lot of talk about things and we’re getting towards that stage, to hit the panic button and go chasing something.

“You have to control the game, to sustain attack and be aggressive with the ball, but at the same time, not have too many turnovers.

“And we had to deal with Livingston’s direct play because it can be awkward if they get up in our half and around the box in set plays and crosses. That’s when they are a real threat.

“But with Kyogo driving it from the front, plus the wingers, and in behind that, we just limited them in having any sort of accuracy in long balls, and from that we were pressing from behind and the midfield were picking up second balls and we had a few attacks from there.

“So, that part of the game was crucial for us and coming to Livingston is about what you do with the ball, but for us a massive part of it is how we defend and stop them getting near the box. We did that superbly.”

The game also saw the return of Reo Hatate following injury and the Japanese midfielder was instrumental in the opening goal just minutes after the break.

Kennedy said: “He’s a top player. He’s had a few good weeks’ training and seeing him in training we just knew he was good to go and I think today everyone can see what he brings to the team.

“It was good to see him on the pitch again, it was good minutes for him and the squad is starting to come together now.”

The substitutions also played a crucial part in the flow of the second half when the Celts carved opening in the Livingston defence almost at will.

The assistant manager added; “That will be important for us in the remaining games and it’s not just about who starts the game, every sub we bring on is to maintain the energy.

“After putting so much into the game you start to cramp up a bit, so you bring a fresh pair of legs on who can keep the level of the game up.

“And that’s what we do, we just keep on pushing to the end.”

The first of those remaining games is next weekend’s trip to Ibrox for the third derby of the league campaign.

Kennedy said: “Having the clear week is giving us plenty of time to prepare and getting the boys recovered as this pitch takes its toll as well.

“So we can get fully recovered and have plenty of training for the game, and when that comes around we’ll be ready.”

Fixtures

Livingston Vs. Celtic - Sun, Mar 31st 2024, 12:00 Final score: 0 - 3 Match Report