With Brendan Rodgers making two changes to the starting XI this afternoon, Celtic secured a vital 3-0 win over Hearts at Celtic Park, bouncing back in impressive fashion after a disappointing 3-2 loss to Rangers just before the international break. The victory held significant importance for various reasons, but one player caught Rodgers’ attention for his pivotal role in the turnaround. The manager has shared why he believes this Celtic star was key to the team’s success today.

3A3HWBN Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers during the William Hill Premiership match at Celtic Park, Glasgow. Picture date: Sunday March 16, 2025.

A Tactical Switch

Brendan Rodgers took a moment to reflect on the tactical shift that helped Celtic dominate the game. Speaking to Celtic TV, Rodgers highlighted the fluid movement between Callum McGregor and Reo Hatate in midfield. Rodgers explained, “It was a nice little rotation between him and Reo.”

McGregor, who traditionally plays in a more controlled holding role, was given a bit more freedom by Rodgers. His mobility alongside Hatate allowed the pair to interchange effectively, creating fluidity in Celtic’s build-up play. Rodgers added, “He obviously plays in that controlling position, Cal, but we don’t pigeonhole him in that.”

The Key to Breaking Down Hearts

McGregor’s dynamic movement, combined with Hatate’s energy and vision, proved to be a crucial factor in breaking down Hearts’ defensive structure. According to Rodgers, this flexibility created more space for attacking players like Daizen Maeda and Jota to thrive.

Rodgers went on to praise McGregor’s decision-making and passing accuracy, noting that his ability to pick the right ball at the right moment was invaluable. “The mobility and the movement between him and Reo was very good and that releases the pass, the space for him to take it,” Rodgers said. “His ball is dead weight,” meaning McGregor’s passes are precise and effortless, making it easier for his teammates to execute the next move.

Soccer Football – Scottish League Cup – Final – Celtic v Rangers – Hampden Park, Glasgow, Scotland, Britain – December 15, 2024 Celtic’s Callum McGregor and manager Brendan Rodgers celebrate with the trophy after winning the League Cup REUTERS/Russell Cheyne

A Strong Response After the Rangers Defeat

For Rodgers, today’s win was the perfect way to respond after the loss to Rangers. Celtic’s midfield, led by McGregor and Hatate, was far more composed, allowing the team to dictate the tempo and assert their dominance. The result was a performance that resembled the fluid attacking football Celtic are known for.

Rodgers will undoubtedly be pleased with how his midfield duo linked up, and the win will provide a vital boost to both confidence and momentum as Celtic look to end the season in style.