BRENDAN RODGERS was in heaven as Celtic clinched a seventh successive league crown.
And the Celtic manager insists his Hoops heroes should have hit seven past Rangers following their emphatic 5-0 thumping – their biggest league win over their Old Firm rivals.
An Odsonne Edouard double and strikes from James Forrest, Tom Rogic and Callum McGregor ensured it was party time at Parkhead, with Rodgers claiming their latest title success was even sweeter than last term’s Invincible glory.
Celtic’s biggest win over Rangers, 7-1, came in the 1957 League Cup final. And, asked if he sensed the fans wanted a record, Rodgers said: “No, I wasn’t aware of that. We should’ve done. We should have had seven but we’ll take five.
“The performance was outstanding, if you think about what the players put into the game.
“This title is definitely better than last season, even though we went unbeaten.
“When I came in there was expectation, of course. But to have had that season and then come in again this season with very little break to perform like we’ve done, playing a number of games under pressure, we’ve done very well.
“For us and our fans, it was a special day to wrap up the title. I was really pleased with how the players coped with that pressure and expectancy – to stay calm but play with that intent. The supporters responded to that.
“We’re about running hard, fast and aggressive. When we do that, we create lots of opportunities. Like today, we scored five and it was probably going on seven or eight. Their keeper made some great saves. It’s a great tribute to the work of the players to perform like that.”
Rodgers has warned their Premiership rivals that Celtic won’t stand still but aim to build on their success.
He said: “Next season we have to improve. This group of players is doing brilliantly. But I only want to work with players who are coachable, willing to learn and are hungry. The players can enjoy this for a few days. But we have a league campaign to finish and a cup final.”
Rodgers hailed the character of his players as a number were toiling with illness before the game.
He said: “Scott Brown has been suffering, Mikael Lustig has been taking tablets for a broken toe. That’s the drive they have. That’s always important, to have players who can find a way.
“You see a lot of modern-day footballers, if they hurt their fingernails they pull out. So it’s about having the right types, the right profile of player, guys who give their best and give everything. We have that here.”
Source:www.express.co.uk