Celtic players banned from celebrating should they win League Cup

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has confirmed that his players will not be allowed to enjoy a night of celebration should they lift the League Cup this weekend.

The Glasgow giants face off against Aberdeen at Hampden Park on Sunday, but the players have been informed that they will be heading straight back to work after the final, regardless of the result. 

Exactly two years ago, Brendan Rodgers celebrated his first piece of silverware with Celtic, in this very final, which was toasted in great style. 

However the Northern Irishman is determined for his players not to slip up in their league match against Motherwell just a few days later. 

The Scottish Premiership title race is closer than ever this year, and as such, Rodgers will not allow a night of shenanigans to deny his side a vital three points against Motherwell.

In a pre-match press conference ahead of the fixture, Rodgers was asked whether his side will party if their trophy streak reaches seven on Sunday. 

Rodgers replied: "'No. It'll be quiet. The problem was we won the League Cup final, then we went a week later and were 2-0 down at half-time at Motherwell. We came back and won 4-3. We'll get a period in January where we can reflect on everything if we need to and enjoy it as we can. So we won't be celebrating too much. We'll go, we want to win, and then we've got a game on Wednesday night."

He continued: "I think the boys know me well enough now. I treat them like adults - they are not kids with me. I treat them as men and we know when those little periods are. When you're playing so many games, your body is so important. You have to look after it. But let's get the job done and get another trophy."

 

November 29, 2018

Rodgers also took the opportunity to praise counterpart Derek McInnes, whom he will be facing for the third consecutive final when Aberdeen and Celtic meet this weekend. 

Of his opposing manager, Rodgers said: "'I really like Derek. He's really professional, diligent, has a strategy for his club and for his team. No matter the situation, they're always very difficult to play against. So I have a big admiration for him when you think what he's been able to do in terms of sustaining the challenge."

Celtic and Aberdeen face off at Hampden Park on Sunday afternnon, to contest the first final of the Scottish season, at the end of which, one side will be crowned BetFred League Cup champions.