Manager: We just needed to convert good performance into goals | OneFootball

Brendan Rodgers praised his side’s performance against Hibernian at Celtic Park this afternoon, although he, like everyone else inside the stadium was left frustrated at the fact the team’s dominance did not translate into goals.

The Hoops had to be content with a share of the spoils after the match finished 0-0, despite enjoying 77% possession, and creating 26 chances, including six on target.

Speaking to Celtic TV after the game, Brendan Rodgers said: “I think, performance-wise, the players did really well.

“We progressed the ball through the pitch, and if you look at all the numbers and statistics in the game, we were very dominant – attempts on goal, attempts on target – but it was a wee bit of both really.

“It was us just lacking that little bit of a killer touch in the box, and couple that with some great blocks from Hibs players.

“You just need that first goal. In the previous victories we’ve had here against Hibs, it’s that goal in the first half really opens it up, and we had opportunities and big chances in the game throughout, but the longer it goes on, it gives Hibs that little bit of extra motivation and commitment to keep the clean sheet.”

Given that Celtic’s last home game was back on August 23, it meant that three players were making their Paradise bow – Marcello Saracchi, Sebastian Tounekti and Kelechi Iheanacho. And the manager was pleased with their performances.

“I thought they did very well,” he said. “Marcelo in that position, you can see he plays it so well. He’s very aggressive with and without the ball, for the 90 minutes I thought he was very good.

“Sebastian, likewise, and in one-v-ones he was excellent. He tired a bit towards the end but he’s obviously played a lot since he’s come in, but again, he was beating his man well and getting crosses into the box.

“And Kels is probably disappointed that he didn’t score maybe a couple of goals, but as a reference point to the team with his touch and everything else, I thought he was good.

“So that’ll be good for him and for all three players to have played at the stadium.”

Fixtures

Celtic Vs. Hibernian - Sat, Sep 27th 2025, 15:00 Match Report