Now we’re motoring – Next, it’s Edinburgh for ‘Range Rover Sport’ Celtic | OneFootball

Brendan Rodgers joked that his team looked more like a ‘Range Rover Sport’ last night than a Honda Civic following Celtic’s 2-1 victory over SK Sturm Graz…

Liam Scales of Celtic celebrates with Colby Donovan of Celtic after scoring to tie the game 1-1. Celtic v Sturm Graz, UEFA Europa League, Group Stage, Celtic Park, 23 October 2025. Photo Stuart Wallace IMAGO/Shutterstock

Celtic ignited their Europa League campaign with an impressive second-half comeback, as rapid strikes from Liam Scales and Benjamin Nygren earned them a vital 2-1 victory against Sturm Graz.

Rodgers faced criticism for his comments following Sunday’s abysmal defeat at Dens Park, but the Celtic boss is optimistic that his key players will soon find their rhythm and perform at their best.

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)

Speaking to the media after the game, Rodgers said: “Sometimes, like at the weekend, you have to be harsh to be clear. And then you hope that you get that reaction, that these players know that I’m with them always. I spend my life dedicated to making this team better, making the individuals better, helping the club progress. And at the weekend, it wasn’t not good enough.

“So tonight, we weren’t quite the Ferrari – a Range Rover Sport, I would have thought. Hopefully, we have no more Morris Minors in the performance – not that they’re a bad car. It’s a fantastic car. “We showed the level with determination tonight. And that’s what I expect to see going forward.”

Rodgers was thrilled by the way his side, who have faced intense scrutiny this season, bounced back with old-fashioned grit and determination.

Arne Engels of Celtic is challenged by Emanuel Aiwu of Strum Graz 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)

The Irishman also heaped praise on Arne Engels, who dominated proceedings in a rare starting appearance for the £11 million midfielder. The Hoops boss also breathed a sigh of relief when Swedish playmaker Nygren finally converted one of the many chances that fell to him on a plate.

Rodgers added: “I said before the game to the players that we really have to show leadership now and leadership qualities. In my experience with players, when those types of players are under pressure, they progress.

“You can see that from the weekend, coming into this game, the pressure. But the progress in the team was so good individually and collectively. Of course, whenever you have a setback, which we’ve had a number of, but in particular at the weekend, then those leaders show the motivation to go again.”

“We’ve seen all of that tonight. It was a really, really pleasing performance,” he continued.

“I’m so happy for the likes of Benji because he had so many chances and he’s playing out of position really. But he gets into the areas to get those opportunities and showed so much courage to keep going. Eventually, he gets his goal.

“Arne Engels I thought was outstanding in the game. Coming back in, he gave us that energy in that fight.”

Conor Spence

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Celtic in the Eighties and Willie Fernie – Putting on the Style both by David Potter. Photo The Celtic Star

Danny McGrain signing copies of Celtic in the Eighties by David Potter. Photo: Celtic Star Books

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