Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has been talking to the media before the second leg of his side’s Champions League play-off against Kairat Almaty on Tuesday.
Here are the best bits from his news conference:
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Rodgers insists there was no element of Celtic underestimating Kairat before last week’s goalless draw, saying “they are a tough team to break down”.
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He insists there is no requirement to explain the enormity of the game to the players – “they know what is at stake”.
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Says his team cannot become too fixated on the end goal because “if you think so much of the consequence it can paralyse you”. He has told his players to focus on their own performance and “imposing” their game plan.
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On the long distance travelled to Almaty, Rodgers says there will be “no excuses” from Celtic – he points out how well Kairat coped in the first leg. “We feel fine and we have to perform.”
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Rodgers hopes to have some positive news regarding transfers on their return to Glasgow – “I think by the time we get back we will be close to one or two things.”
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Team news: Adam Idah has travelled with the squad and is in contention, but Auston Trusty is still unavailable.
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