“What can the manager do?” Kris Boyd blasts Celtic players as the former Rangers striker defends Brendan Rodgers ahead of Celtic’s match with Atalanta

Brendan Rodgers appears to be under some strain before of Celtic’s Champions League meeting with Atalanta on Wednesday night.

On the domestic front, there is nothing to be concerned about; the champions are at the top of the tree and in charge.

Yes, Celtic lost a two-goal lead against Aberdeen, but they are still six points ahead of Rangers and competing for the title against a team unfamiliar with it.

Not to mention Rodgers’ title-winning performance last season, which elevated the team’s game on the domestic circuit.

However, the issue persists in the Champions League, particularly after Celtic were thrashed by Borussia Dortmund last time around.

Rodgers has been in the spotlight in Europe before, but Kris Boyd has a different plan.

Kris Boyd turns attention to Celtic players in Champions League

A lot is riding on this Atalanta game, not because the team desperately needs the points, but because they need to demonstrate that they have learnt their lesson.

However, rather than criticising Rodgers, Kris Boyd praised the Celtic manager and believes the players should be reasonable in their approach, as he told Sky Sports Football (20/10/24 at 11:10 am).

“We have had plenty of discussions about it as well,” said Boyd. “The players have to adapt as well. They have to realise in moments in games where you can’t go pressing and you can’t leave the pitch as big as you possibly can for the opposition.

“When you look at the players sometimes, the manager is guilty of it as well, the pitch becomes big and that’s what the European teams want. They have got pace at the end of the pitch and they will hurt you. They have got really good players.

“We always look at the manager ‘what can the manager do?’ But I think there is an onus on the players on the pitch because they are the ones playing it. They are the ones feeling what’s going on in the game. They need to understand as well. We can’t go pressing. Sometimes we need to sit off. We have all been there. I am used to sitting on the bench and watching it.”

Brendan Rodgers backed to go more defensive against Atalanta

In typical circumstances, it’s Rodgers’ way or the highway; he never backs down, but will he eventually change?

This isn’t a total alteration, but rather a minor modification, as Barry Robson believes he knows what will happen.

Robson encouraged Rodgers to ‘tighten’ up against Atlanta, which would be great news for the fans.

“I think he will get a bit more structure and training time with them,” said Robson. “Also, he will need to take a look at the last game they took part in. We are a bit open at times, so maybe Brendan will tighten up a little bit.”