Manager looking forward to latest domestic challenge | OneFootball

Brendan Rodgers has turned his attention back to the Scottish Premiership for this weekend’s home match against Ross County.

The Hoops are currently two points clear at the top of the table, having played one game less than nearest challengers, Aberdeen, and the aim is to secure another three points this weekend.

The match comes on the back of a tough midweek UEFA Champions League tie against Club Brugge, and the manager was delighted with the way his team tackled that challenge and battled for a point against a very difficult opponent.

Speaking ahead of Saturday’s game, Brendan Rodgers said: “I think Ross County will be very determined.

“I know Don very well, and he was my first ever signing as a manager when I was manager at Watford, and he did brilliantly for me there.

“So I’ve known him since those days and always been in contact with him and followed him. He worked closely with Malky and now he’s gone out on his own, and I think he’s done a really good job.

“The game that we played up there, I think it could be a similar type of game.

“So I will expect a similar game and they will carry a threat in various moments, but we’re at home and we love playing at home.

"We want to showcase our energy and our attitude in the game and that’s what we’ll look to bring, but it will be a tough game for sure.”

There are no injury worries ahead of Saturday’s clash with Ross County, and the manager’s starting XI will be selected from a strong squad.

And Brendan Rodgers also addressed some criticism which has come the way of Arne Engels recently.

“The most recent example of that was Paulo Bernardo,” he said. “It was exactly the same, if I remember back – highlighting Paulo and his performances this time last year, and now he can’t be cheered on loud enough when he enters on to the pitch.

“Arne’s a fantastic young player, otherwise we wouldn’t have brought him here. He doesn’t set the price, he’s come here to a big club to improve his game and I have absolutely no doubt that he will do that.

“I know it won’t be the case but I would hope that people will learn their lesson – the same people that were writing off Paulo Bernardo and Nicolas Kuhn – you have to look and see that development will take time.

“Some will hit the ground running and be fine and adapt perfect, but not everyone is like that and especially a young player, so I’ve been really pleased since he’s come in because I know the future for him – he will improve, he will develop and get better – and I’ve seen it so many times.

“It’s always the pressure when you up here to play, the scrutiny is on you and you’re going to have your critics.

“Sometimes it’s deserved and sometimes it’s not, and a lot of the time you don’t have the last word, but you do have your chance on the pitch to show what you can do.

“But like every player, whether they’re young or old, you’re not immune to it. You know what’s been said but Arne only really needs to worry about his team-mates and ourselves, and his development and coaching, and he’s such a young player with a lot of potential, and that’s why we brought him here.”

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