Brendan Rodgers on Celtic in new look UCL and ‘unfair’ Scottish Cup Final demand

Brendan Rodgers admits the revamped Champions League format will benefit Celtic both financially as well as helping his players progress.

The Hoops boss knows the massive eight group games in the tournament next season are lying in wait after his side secured the Premiership title in an eight point swing over rivals Rangers. It means the riches of the new campaign in Europe will also be directed straight into the club coffers with more prize money on offer as well as gate receipts for more fixtures.

Rodgers is buzzing for the atmosphere and the competition as a whole – as well as the cash to come in – but he’s also interested to see how his players can do in testing themselves up against some of the continent’s biggest clubs.

“It’s very exciting,” Rodgers said. “You get those extra couple of games at that level. In every which way, whether it’s the football or financial, it’s a huge benefit to a club like ourselves. From a football perspective, I’m always very excited about testing ourselves against the very best teams.”

The Scottish Cup Final against the Light Blues at Hampden is on its way this weekend and Rodgers insists his charges are prepared to go again and take the final step of the season in a bid to win the double.

Asked, jokingly, if it feels almost “unfair” to ask the players to play once more given all they’ve done this term, Rodgers was honest.

“They know that’s a part of the job here. That job (winning the league) is complete, we finished the season as deserved champions. I’m so proud of how the players have dealt with the pressure that they’ve been under the last nine games or so. Eight wins and one draw, and the draw, we should have won. But it really shows you the focus and humility of the team.

“We’re in a final, and finals are there to win. It might seem unfair to ask them to go again after that, but they get a little bit of a rest after the final. Then the international boys will meet up. Our focus is very much on our plan and preparation this week, getting ready for the special occasion.

“We’re relaxed but focused. It was nice at the weekend to celebrate, but now our focus is on the final. We’re prepared to deliver a similar performance to what we did against Kilmarnock. Really good preparation, we’re playing on a fantastic surface, last showpiece game of the season and we want to bring our best selves to that. It would be the ideal finish to a fantastic season.

“(The fact it’s a final) doesn’t really change the complexion. We set out to win the game. We know we have to defend well and be aggressive, but our intent going into every game is to win. Cup game or not, we’re in it to win. There’s no second chances when it’s a semi-final or final, that’s our attitude.

“We arrive into it in really good form, but it doesn’t mean anything. We still have to prepare thoroughly, look after all the details, and give the guys the best opportunity to go and be free and play the type of football we want to play.”