Rodgers urges belief ahead of Valencia trip

Brendan Rodgers believes that if Celtic can score the first goal at Valencia on Thursday, they are more than capable of overturning the tie’s deficit.

Speaking to the club’s official website, as cited in a report from Sky Sports, the Northern Irishman previewed his team’s trip to Spain for the second leg of their Europa League last 32 fixture.

Valencia came away from Celtic Park with a 2-0 win in the first leg, leaving the Hoops with an uphill battle ahead of Thursday night’s clash.

Rodgers is well aware of the challenges that his men will face at the Mestalla but is optimistic about their chances. Highlighting the importance of a strong start, he said:

The first goal in this game will be important. If we can get the first goal in the game, we don’t need to go flying in after that. We just need to settle ourselves into the game and find our confidence.

We have to go there with the belief and confidence that we can get a result. No matter how tough, we’ll go there and if we can get the first goal it can open things up for us.

We know it’s going to be a tough game. You can see the level that they’re at and the investment, everything is there to see that they’re an outstanding team.

Marcelino’s side have not been in inspiring form in La Liga this season, and appear to be by no means unbeatable.

The Spanish club are currently sat in ninth place on the table and have won only three games in front of their home crowd in the league.