Brendan Rodgers gives insight into the current ‘atmosphere’ at Celtic amid noise from elsewhere

Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers has cut a determined figure over the last few weeks amid his side’s hunt for a domestic double.

The Irishman has led his side to eight wins and a draw in their last nine competitive outings, generating much-needed momentum at a crucial time for the club.

Following last weekend’s triumph at St Mirren in the Scottish Cup, Rodgers was in bullish form post-match and expressed his hunger for more success.

He stated: “When you have won consistently over a number of years, people will look to jump on you and bring you down. Bring me down. I am here to win. For sure, we will have our day – and have many days going forward.”

Kilmarnock will offer a different type of proposition to the Hoops’ Paisley-based opponents, given that Derek McInnes has already got one over the Scottish Premiership holders on two occasions this term and has guided his side to a five-match unbeaten streak.

Nevertheless, these are the kind of tests Celtic will need to navigate through successfully if they are to be crowned league champions come May.

Brendan Rodgers gives insight into ‘atmosphere’ at Celtic

The atmosphere at a club like Celtic couldn’t be any more important in the context of turning aspirations into reality, especially when you find yourself straddling the line so closely between success and failure.

At present, the Bhoys sit top of the Scottish Premiership table on goals scored and are in the middle of the tightest title race there has been involving themselves for a long time.

Despite being in sink or swim territory, Rodgers has revealed the general feeling among his squad is positive heading into their next batch of matches.

He stated [Celtic TV]: “We want to win and win in a certain way – that is what the history of this club is built on. But ultimately, it is about winning. In a period where lots of games and challenges, the players have come through really, really well.

“They are creating this atmosphere to work hard and have that mentality. I was really pleased for them at the weekend. It could have been a sticky game but we came through it really well.”

Celtic have a core of players who have already prevailed in claiming silverware before, so it is no surprise their collective mindstate seems to be a calm one at this stage.

Either way, most supporters will be more concerned over the consequences of their input on the pitch, which is where their cool persona has to count for something in the remaining fixtures between now and the end of 2023/24.