Celtic will look to build on the momentum from their impressive Champions League win over Leipzig as they take on Kilmarnock at Rugby Park tomorrow. The Parkhead clash saw several standout performances, with Nicolas Kuhn and Reo Hatate receiving praise for their exceptional displays, leaving fans eager to see if they can replicate that form in domestic competition.
Despite the crucial Champions League points earned against Leipzig, Brendan Rodgers remains grounded, maintaining his usual post-match approach. He noted that, while there were plenty of positives, he has also highlighted areas for improvement, treating this analysis like any other match.
Rodgers emphasized the team’s primary goal: “Our first aim was to make the playoffs, and that’s still very much the case. We take a systematic approach, focusing on our strengths and reinforcing those areas.”
Adding his own insights, Jim Duffy shared who impressed him most in Celtic’s standout win over one of the Bundesliga’s top teams, highlighting a player who truly stepped up on the European stage.
Jim Duffy heaped praise on Celtic captain Callum McGregor for his commanding performance in the midweek Champions League win over Leipzig. Speaking on Clyde 1 Superscoreboard, Duffy highlighted how McGregor “totally dictated” the game with an exceptional midfield display.“
Callum McGregor was immense the other night,” Duffy remarked. “He dictated the tempo of the game brilliantly. You often hear about a midfielder taking control and grabbing the game by the scruff of the neck; he absolutely did that.”
Duffy further praised McGregor’s composure and intelligence on the ball, noting how the Celtic captain didn’t get swept up by the atmosphere. “He didn’t rush it, didn’t buy into the crowd’s energy. Using his experience and footballing knowledge, he was telling the team, ‘We need to control this game here.’ He kept collecting the ball, moving it, getting it back, feeding it—just completely dominating the game.”
“It was a masterclass of a midfield performance from Callum McGregor,” Duffy added, “especially in the second half. He controlled everything the other night.”
Callum McGregor has been a standout for Celtic this season, showing no signs of slowing down despite being in his prime years. The Lennoxtown academy graduate has recorded four goals and an assist across 17 appearances, leading the charge from midfield as Celtic push for success on all fronts.
With Kilmarnock up next at Rugby Park, McGregor’s focus will be on rallying his team for another crucial match before the international break, aiming to carry the momentum from their Champions League triumph into the domestic stage.