Manager praises a special performance from his team

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Celtic F.C.

·14 May 2025

Manager praises a special performance from his team

Brendan Rodgers was delighted with what he called ‘a real special team performance’ as Celtic comprehensively defeated Aberdeen 5-1 at Pittodrie.

It was a dominant display from the Champions, with Maik Nawrocki, Yang, Luke McCowan, Johnny Kenny and Adam Idah all on target for the Hoops against the side they will face in the Scottish Cup final at Hampden in 10 days’ time.

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Speaking to Celtic TV after the game, the Celtic manager said: “Collectively, we were so good in the game, there were so many good attacking connections and moments.

'We scored five, and got into so many good areas, and to come here and be that convincing, it was an outstanding performance.'

“It was a great header and Maik is a threat in the box. We see it every day in his training and I thought he and Auston were very good and they defended strong.

“And we’re also pleased for Johnny because he works so hard, he is a natural goalscorer and when you see his movement for the goal, it’s so good and everyone was delighted for him.

“But overall, we had so many good phases of play in the game, we worked ever so hard, we were able to get players minutes in their legs and the whole connection of the team was outstanding.”

While James Forrest still awaits his first goal of the campaign, which would mean he’s scored in 16 consecutive seasons, the Celtic winger still produced a Man of the Match performance at Pittodrie.

That comes as no surprise to his manager, who has seen at close-hand the qualities the 33-year-old possesses.

“Even if the goal doesn’t come, his performance level has been instrumental in my second time back here,” said Brendan Rodgers.

“This time last season he was catalyst, along with Adam Idah, for us winning the title and he’s still got a big contribution for this squad.

'He leads by example, all the players really respect him and look up to him, especially when he performs like he did tonight.'

There were even some ‘James Forrest’ chants during the game from the travelling support, while they acclaimed the winger after the match.

And the Celtic manager praised the supporters for their backing of the team.

“A big thank-you to the supporters, to come all the way up here for an eight o’clock kick-off and they’ll get back in the early hours of the morning, some will travel even longer to various places, but they deserve it,” he said.

“They’ve sacrificed as much as we have as a team and they get their reward tonight with a brilliant performance and result, and then we can all celebrate, hopefully with a win, on Saturday and pick up the trophy.”