Everything said at Brendan Rodgers Media Conference in Belgrade

Q: We spoke to Red Star earlier; they were talking about the importance of really coming out and having a go in front of this big home crowd. Do we know that, again, that creates, or potentially creates opportunity for you guys as well, in terms of, as you said, when you’re going out and have that maturity to pick your moment when you go out and have a go for that space?

Brendan Rodgers: “Yeah, and I also think, as well, that it’s a game that the lovely space follows in, and we’re good when we have space. I think a lot of times, domestically, we’re playing against teams that are sat in half a pitch, and sometimes the grass isn’t quite as you would want it. But, no, I think tomorrow night it’s a lovely pitch, beautiful stadium, and, yeah, we work every day to play through pressure situations, to play through teams when they’re sat deep, so hopefully we can show that tomorrow night.”

Q: The defence has been a big positive this season; they’ll be particularly important tomorrow night, won’t they?

Brendan Rodgers: “Yeah, I think our defence is from the front of the pitch. Whenever you defend well and keep clean sheets and don’t give so much away, it’s because your team is synchronised and it’s pressure, everyone working. We talk a lot about that pressing side of our game. I think we’re a team that likes to be in balance, both offensively and defensively, and that’s very important for us. And especially when you come away from home and you’re looking at football, it’s basically as important.”

Q: Apparently, it’s going to be a bit loud and intimidating. Is there anything you can do to prepare for that? Are you confident your team will cope with that experience?

Brendan Rodgers: “Yeah, just embrace it. I’ve obviously heard it’s about two minutes, pretend you’re leaving the stadium. So I’ll have to speak a bit quicker tomorrow at half-time. Just embrace it. It’s an amazing occasion to come and play in a really historical stadium and everything that goes with that. You go and you challenge it, but whenever it comes your way, you accept it and grow from it.”

Q: No other knocks apparently. Is there anyone else injured?

Brendan Rodgers: “Tony is obviously back in training. Auston will join the team and the squad on Friday. Apart from that, all the same.”

Q: The Red Star team has a lot of self-confidence because of the win in the evening derby against Partizan. Celtic can be said to be the least satisfied support because they didn’t qualify for the Champions League. Does that create additional pressure, and how will you approach this match?

Brendan Rodgers: “We also know that we can be a really difficult opponent to play against as well. We have a lot of strong characteristics in our team, speed in our team, we have really good technical players, and we can score goals. So we’re looking forward to the challenge, and we want to make it a really, really difficult night for Red Star.”

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