The History-Maker

Brendan Rodgers is steeped in the story of Celtic, and the Irishman is now writing his own chapter, delivering an historic ‘invincible’ treble to Paradise

- Paul Cuddihy

OVER the past 70 years, since the 1946/47 season, there have been three major trophies up for grabs in Scottish football. That Celtic had only managed to win them all in a single season three times prior to the 2016/17 campaign is an indication of just how difficult a task it is to achieve.

So for Brendan Rodgers to guide his side to the treble in his first season as Celtic manager is an incredible success story and worthy of all the plaudits which have rightly come his way.

But for his Celtic squad to do so without losing a single domestic game takes this success to a different level. Forty-seven games without defeat – 43 wins and just four draws – represents an extraordinary level of consistency. It has never been done before, and it may never be done again, and the manager was keen to praise the efforts of his players.

“It doesn’t matter what league or what country, it is a remarkable achievement,” the manager told the Celtic View, “and it’s a symbol of the work that’s gone in by the staff, the players on a daily basis to ensure the focus is maintained, because it’s never easy, and any football manager or coach will tell you that even the best teams can have an off day.

“Also, what I find up here is the tactical challenge. We’ve played some teams six times this season and what that does is give an opponent a chance to do something different against you, and gives a chance for them to maybe surprise you.

“And the likes of Pittodrie and Ibrox and Tynecastle aren’t easy places to go to, so for the players to then come through that and meet every challenge put in front of them is amazing.