Leading 5-2 on aggregate heading into the second leg of their qualification match against Hapoel Be’er Sheva, Brendan Rodgers is focused on taking Celtic into this season’s Champions League group stages.
The Northern Irishman is on the verge of completing his first target as Hoops boss, after the Scottish giants dominated in the first leg last week to move a step toward a spot in Europe’s showcase tournament.
“It has been our number one objective from the first day we started,” Rodgers said.
Discussing goals for the squad in an interview with the Guardian, it was evident that the Champions League was at the top of the list for the former Liverpool manager.
“It has been our number one objective from the first day we started, so to lead Celtic into the Champions League would be a great honour and privilege,” he said.
“I know the managers before me who I spoke to said their first qualifying campaign was difficult for them, but for us we have put in an awful lot of work and we have two hands on the prize and a tight grip on it as well.”
Despite being so close to qualifying for the group stages, the 43-year-old is staying composed.
“We did the job in the first-leg and the responsibility is now with us and that’s how you would want it,” Rodgers said.
Celtic must keep focused during the return fixture in Israel, after suffering a scare in the first leg. The Hoops led 3-0 at halftime, before seeing that advantage reduced to 3-2 following two goals in quick succession from Barak Bakhar’s men.
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