Brendan Rodgers Drops Huge Praise – “Best Team We’ve Faced All Season”

Brendan Rodgers had some interesting comments to make post-match this afternoon following Celtic’s 5-2 win over Falkirk at Celtic Park.

Falkirk gave Celtic as much of a challenge as they possibly could, despite the significant financial gap between the sides.

Finn Yeats, Alfredo Agyeman, and Ross MacIver all impressed for the visitors, causing plenty of problems for the Hoops, especially in the first half.

Rodgers said: (Premier Sports), “Got to give immense credit to Falkirk. I’ve really enjoyed watching and analysing them because in terms of a Football idea, the Game, what John’s doing…they’re probably the best team that we’ve played this season in terms of how they want to work the Game, how they want to work the ball. So they can be really proud of how they done.

“They pressed it really well, they were aggressive. They came with the 4-3-3 to try and disrupt and in the end they got a very good first goal.”

Asked by Michael Stewart if it was good to see Falkirk having more of a go than Premiership sides, he added: “Absolutely, it’s great. If it happens more when I have my starters playing that would be fantastic. I think their attitude to the Game is very, very good. John has brought that to Raith and Falkirk and will get his rewards for that. But it’s never easy.

“They had nice mobility, good technicians in the team, good pace in good areas and maybe not every team has that. They play a different style.”

Rodgers is correct, Falkirk were impressive, and where many teams sit deep against Celtic, John McGlynn’s bold approach was a breath of fresh air.

For 70 minutes, the Bairns had Celtic on the back foot with their high pressing and quick transitions, which constantly threatened the Hoops’ defence.

It proved difficult for several Celtic players to adapt to Falkirk’s relentless intensity, leading to a number of second-half substitutions to regain control.

Given that Falkirk currently sit second in the Scottish Championship, level on points with leaders Ayr United, but with two Games in hand, many will now view McGlynn as a strong contender to guide the team to back-to-back promotions.

His tactical approach and the energy he’s instilled in the side could very well see Falkirk back in the Premiership next season.