As Lazio’s trip to Celtic Park approaches, Brendan Rodgers isn’t interpreting their season’s early results too seriously.
The Serie A team plays Celtic on Matchday 2 of the UEFA Champions League group stage this year. They started off their season with a nice draw against Atletico Madrid, but their league performance has been far from stellar.
The Italians have made a disastrous start to the season under Maurizio Sarri’s management. With only four points from their first five games, they are now sitting in fifteenth place in Serie A. They drew with AC Monza at home on Saturday.
As we covered at the weekend, the Lazio support are far from happy right now with boos greeting the full-time whistle at the Stadio Olimpico after the 1-1 draw.
It certainly seems like we may be playing them at the right time. However, Rodgers isn’t falling into the trap of thinking that they’re going to be out of form at Celtic Park.
“Not really,” he said when asked if he reads anything into the run on Celtic TV.
“I see quality when I look at the team and the management. Results can occasionally be like that, especially early in the season.
“The management may have been attempting something novel or distinctive. However, I am aware of their excellence.
“For us, the game will be enjoyed. Our first Champions League match at home will take place there. It’s a unique location. When the time comes, let’s hope we can achieve the performance and outcome we desire.
Rodgers is correct to downplay the Italians’ most recent performance. It probably won’t matter all that much when the game starts on Wednesday night. But it’s beginning to seem more and more like a chance that we can’t pass up.
At Celtic Park, we haven’t triumphed in a Champions League group-stage game since October 2013. In reality, since that Ajax victory, we have hardly ever threatened to win.
At Celtic Park, next Tuesday is expected to be a big one. The expectation will be raised further by the fact that we recently defeated Lazio (twice). This weekend, we just have to get through Motherwell, then we can start anticipating it.
Meanwhile, Lazio will host Torino on Wednesday night and travel to AC Milan on Saturday.
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