Brendan Rodgers’ return to Celtic hasn’t always brought about the unity witnessed during his first spell at the club.
He’d be the first to admit that. Due to the nature of his exit to Leicester City in 2019, there were always going to be sections of the support that were unhappy with him taking over from Ange Postecoglou.
However, togetherness is key now as Celtic push for a league and cup double to turn a roller-coaster campaign into a very successful one.
That was never more apparent than before last week’s derby when many turned out at Celtic Park to send off the team bus.
It was a moment that the squad savoured and Rodgers has stated just how important it was for the Celtic group heading to Ibrox.
Brendan Rodgers on Celtic support
He said in a media conference this weekend [Celtic FC YouTube]: “It had a big impact. It was absolutely amazing. They told me here there would be a couple of hundred supporters to greet us.
“Then I got a call coming up saying they’d miscalculated it and there were a few more. So when I turned around the lights and saw everyone, it was such a huge lift. Did it surprise me? No. The support of the club is incredible.
“Without being able to be at the stadium, that was their way of giving us a great send-off. It was absolutely amazing A lot of the new guys especially were taken aback by it – as was I. It gave us a real lift driving away.”
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Rodgers calls for fans to “keep the faith”
Asked what message he has for the Celtic fans ahead of this run of hugely important games, Rodgers said: “Just keep the faith. Keep giving us that incredible support because it really, really makes the difference.
“I’m sure there will be some edgy moments throughout the six games and in the cup game. But just keep the faith, keep with the team, give us everything and we’ll give you everything back on the pitch.”
It is indeed crucial that supporters stay with the players, particularly when games are in the balance at 0-0, or if Celtic lose an early goal.
It’s very easy for tension and unease to seep into crowd atmospheres, especially at home, but this team have the quality to go on a winning run. Ensuring they have the environment to be the best they can be will help.
Rodgers clearly feels like he and his players can harness the power of the crowd to secure the success everyone craves.