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Rodgers on Kane, striking a balance against Bayern & Maeda's position

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers in his pre-match press conference
[Getty Images]

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has been talking to the media before his side take on Bayern Munich in the second leg of their Champions League play-off tie on Tuesday.

Here are the best bits from his press conference:

  • Rodgers acknowledges Celtic won't be favourites going into the game, but says "everything is possible". Spoke about how Daizen Maeda's goal to make it 2-1 at Celtic Park makes a big difference before the second leg.

  • He has a fully-fit squad to choose from. Jota is available from the start.

  • The Northern Irishman expects Harry Kane to play for the German outfit despite the England captain missing training in the lead-up to the match.

  • Rodgers wants his team to have the courage to play their own game, but they also have to find a balance. He stressed Celtic can't go chasing the game at this level, and says that is the mistake they made in their heavy defeat by Borussia Dortmund in the league phase.

  • The challenge of winning against a world-class team is one Celtic want to embrace. Rodgers wants to ensure that if his side don't go through they come off the pitch having given it everything, with no regrets. "We have to be clever, we have to be bright and we have to be brave."

  • Regardless of the result on Tuesday, Rodgers says his side has shown progress in Europe and it has been a "great adventure".

  • Maeda's recent impact as a central striker gives Rodgers food for thought. Having both the Japan forward and Adam Idah provides options.

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[BBC]