Callum McGregor Responds to Brendan Rodgers’ ‘Ultramarathon’ Comment

Celtic captain Callum McGregor has responded to comments from his boss, Brendan Rodgers, about the Hoops having an ‘ultramarathon’ fixture schedule after the current international break.

Indeed, from when the Celts return to action against Hearts at Tynecastle a week on Saturday, they play one, two, or potentially even three games per week all the way through until March.

There is no winter break in Scotland this season in what is a relentless schedule for the players.

Rodgers will need to utilise his full squad as the Bhoys look to comPete in the Premier Sports Cup, Scottish Premiership, Scottish Cup, and UEFA Champions League.

The boss managed players’ minutes well during the recent gruelling run but must do so once more over a prolonged spell of Games that kicks off next weekend. He recently described the upcoming schedule as an ‘ultramarathon’.

Skipper McGregor, who is used to playing 50 to 60 games a season throughout his career, was asked about Rodgers’ ‘ultramarathon’ comments following Celtic’s 2-0 win over Kilmarnock on Sunday: “Well, that’s it, I’ve always been not bad at that one,” he joked [RecordSport].

“No, listen, it’s what it is, it’s what Football is these days, it’s a running Game, you’ve got to look after yourself, and the boys are in a really good place.

“So, we just try and stay on that as much as we can.

“You look at the games, obviously November, December, January as well, I think there’s nine or ten games in January alone, so you’ve got to be ready, you’ve got to be ready to play, the team, the squad, everyone, this little period is so important for us.”

Part of McGregor’s motivation for his recent international retirement was the toll it was taking on his body, and the short break he will get when many of his club teaMMAtes are away playing for their countries over the next week will only serve him well.

The captain will be primed and ready to lead the Celts onto the pitch in the capital next Saturday night when the gun sounds to begin their ultramarathon.