Celtic go to Tynecastle in ‘much better places’ says Brendan Rodgers | OneFootball

Brendan Rodgers has emphasised that Celtic’s clash at Tynecastle this weekend will be an early indicator of his team’s mentality…

Benjamin Nygren of Celtic scores his team’s second goal with a header during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 League Phase MD3 match between Celtic FC and SK Sturm Graz at Celtic Park on October 23, 2025. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Following Thursday’s 2-1 Europa League victory against SK Sturm Graz, the Celtic boss feels his squad now approaches the top of the table encounter with greater mental and physical sharpness.

The victory over SK Sturm Graz offered a much-needed boost after a challenging spell in the league that has seen Celtic fall five points adrift of leaders Hearts.

Arne Engels of Celtic celebrates at full time during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 League Phase MD3 match between Celtic FC and SK Sturm Graz at Celtic Park on October 23, 2025. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

With Cameron Carter-Vickers out for between three to five months after suffering an Achilles injury and a number of players still regaining fitness, Rodgers is calling on his team to maintain the energy and drive they showed in Europe on Thursday night when they face Hearts on Sunday.

Hearts manager Derek McInnes celebrates after the Scottish Premiership match between theRangers and Hearts at Ibrox on September 13, 2025. (Photo by Steve Welsh/Getty Images)

Celtic have experienced varying fortunes at Tynecastle in recent years, and Rodgers is well aware of the intimidating environment that awaits in Gorgie, especially given Derek McInnes’ side can go eight clear of the Scottish champions with a win.

Brendan Rodgers, Manager of Celtic, gestures to fans prior to the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 League Phase MD3 match between Celtic FC and SK Sturm Graz at Celtic Park on October 23, 2025. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

However, Rodgers believes that his squad are relishing the occasion and beginning to regain their fluency after an inconsistent run of performances both domestically and in Europe.

Speaking via Sky Sports, the Irishman said: “Clearly it’s a big game, but I always tend to say that they are big games. People talk about pressure games and big games — every time you play for Celtic, it’s a big game.”

“Going to Tynecastle at whatever time of the season is always a tough game, but we arrive in there in a much better place. This group doesn’t find itself as the chaser very often… Not so early in the season.”

Celtic captain Callum McGregor applauds the fans at full-time. Final score Celtic 2 Sturm Graz 1. Celtic v Sturm Graz, UEFA Europa League, Group Stage, Celtic Park, 23 October 2025. Photo Stuart Wallace IMAGO/Shutterstock

Rodgers added: “Thankfully, as I said, it’s a long season. Hearts have started well, doing the basics of the game well. We’ve got a manager in Derek who knows his way around Scottish football and gets his teams well organised and well prepared. There’s no challenging phases as we just need to be better within ourselves.“

COYBIG.

Conor Spence

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