Patience required against Valencia, says Rodgers

Brendan Rodgers says his Celtic players will have to display patience when they face Valencia on Thursday.

The Hoops host the La Liga giants in the first leg of their Europa League last-32 clash, which promises to be a special evening at Parkhead.

It is one of the biggest European nights that Celtic have had in recent years, and although they are underdogs to progress, Rodgers will believe his side can still get through.

One thing the Ulsterman has called for is a patient approach, however, with Valencia sure to be tough to break down:

Patience is part of the game.

That’s the understanding of the game. You’re playing against good teams. Valencia have only lost four times all season in one of the biggest leagues in Europe.

It’s about respecting that the opponent is a good side.

Marcelino’s side have lost fewer league matches than Real Madrid this season, in fact, currently sitting eighth in the table.

They are far from unbeatable, though, and the famous Parkhead atmosphere can act as a 12th man for Celtic.

If they can take a positive result with them when they head to Spain a week on Thursday, a place in the last-16 is more than possible.