Celtic defeated Rangers 5-4 on penalties at Hampden Park to win the Scottish League Cup.
Daizen Maeda scored the decisive penalty following a pulsating game that saw both teams unable to be separated after 120 minutes of football and six goals scored as the game finished 3-3.
Below is Brendan Rodgers’ reaction to the victory while speaking to the press pool in the post match press conference at Hampden.
Does that show the desire from your team to come back from behind to win?
“Yeah, I thought we obviously made mistakes. And then I thought Rangers punished those really well. Like you say, we had to settle it a wee bit in the half time and just come out. And obviously, we were better second half.”
Brendan, you’ve won so many trophies here with Celtic. Is that one of the sweetest, given the manner of it? You coming from behind and winning on penalties?
“I know the magnitude of this game.
“Celtic and Rangers, worldwide, for both sets of supporters. It means so much to people’s lives.
“I think it’s maybe my 20th derby game. But I always treat it like the first and prepare that way. But as I said, it’s all about coming out on the other side.
“The guys showed a big heart to come back from being behind in the game. Then to show that composure in the penalties. The most important thing has been at the podium at the end. They achieved that.”
What about Daizen Maeda’s contribution in this fixture Brendan? It’s been pretty phenomenal. What a goal he scored today.
“Yes, it was fantastic. I think that he’s up against an opponent who’s really, really good going forward. So he has to do that work. But then he has that persistence and mentality to do it on the other side as well.
“So, yes, he’s becoming a real iconic figure here at the club, with and without the ball. I’m delighted for him.
“And Nicolas Kuhn on the other side, I thought, was really good. He gets a goal. I thought both wingers worked very, very hard.”
What did you say to them in extra time?
“Well, I think it’s really all about mentality and getting through. Obviously, to be in front and then get pegged back, it’s not ideal, but it can happen in a cup final.
“There’s nothing to lose. There’s no second chances. But I just said it’s the team now that has the desire to win this and that will come out in the end.
“But I think it was a great final. A Celtic vs Rangers game that finishes 3-3 after extra time and goes to penalties. People will get their money’s worth watching it.
“Ultimately, you want to be on the right side of it and thankfully we were.”
Did you really see the experience and the presence of Kasper Schmeichel during that shootout?
“Yes, I think we obviously had it with Joe here in the Aberdeen game. But I think we’ve seen it with Kasper all season.
“Just his authority and having worked with him before, I know what he brings to a team. The bigger the game, the bigger the performance is from him. He’s still an outstanding top international goalkeeper.
“I think he’s proven that and shown that in his time with us. And like you say, he saved important penalties for me at Leicester and he saved an important one today.”
Just what this trophy will do for you for the rest of the season. Are you saying to your players in the changing room now it’s about going for the remaining two trophies?
“No. It’s about celebrating this one, celebrating it well. Be with your families and enjoy it. Then we’re back in on Wednesday getting ready for Dundee United. And that is it. That is it.
“We’ve done so, so well since pre-season. You always want to put a marker down if you can win that first trophy. It can give you that huge lift.
“It’s really a reward for how the players have been up until this point. They can enjoy it. Put it to bed.
“It’s our next game. It’s the most important one. And then we see how the season progresses from there.”
Featured image: CM Football Writing
Callum McFadden 