Champions League qualification a milestone for Rodgers

Ahead of his side’s crucial Champions League play-off second leg clash against Hapoel Be’er Sheva on Tuesday evening, Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers has claimed that reaching the group stage of Europe’s elite would be a milestone in his short managerial career with the club so far.

Rodgers’ men head into the game with a massive advantage. Having beaten Be’er Sheva 5-2 in the first leg of the tie at home, Celtic will be approaching the game with the knowledge and reassurance of a two-goal cushion due to the Israeli sides two away goals, meaning they are likely to progress in the competition.

I think everyone recognises that because of the hardship of the last few years, it’s been three years since the club has been in the Champions League and for everyone it means a lot. But if you think too much on the emotive side you would drive yourself mad.

You just have to focus on the process of winning and getting through. That’s all I’ve ever done. When we lost the first game of qualification I just said ‘stay calm’, it’s about staying calm and getting through, and it’s the same thing now.

Yeah it (qualification) is. It is a huge milestone for the club because it’s where the club wants to be and for some clubs with a much greater financial output throughout Europe winning the Champions League is what they are in it for.

However, what could be more beneficial to the club as a whole, regardless of qualification itself, is the financial benefits provided for making the group stages of the Champions League.

But for clubs like Celtic, and where they are financially, reaching the group stage is success. That is very, very important to make that equation and realise how realistic it is and how difficult it is. So for us this marks success.

The Daily Mail report that, for simply progressing beyond their tie against Hapoel on Tuesday, a minimum of £21 million is expected to be awarded to the club.

Rodgers had a spell in the Champions League with Liverpool, but will be looking to achieve more success with Celtic in the coming campaign if they can progress tonight.