Who Celtic Manager Rodgers Cannot Wait to See in Dortmund
As Celtic prepare for their highly anticipated trip to Borussia Dortmund in the UEFA Champions League group stage, manager Brendan Rodgers has expressed his excitement about seeing one player in particular step onto the Signal Iduna Park pitch—Kyogo Furuhashi. The Japanese striker has been a standout performer for the Hoops this season, and Rodgers believes that the Dortmund clash is the perfect stage for Furuhashi to showcase his talent on one of Europe’s grandest platforms.
Kyogo Furuhashi has been a revelation since joining Celtic in 2021, becoming a fan favorite thanks to his lightning-quick movement, clinical finishing, and relentless work rate. Under Rodgers, who returned to manage the club in 2023, Kyogo has only improved, cementing his status as one of the most important players in Celtic’s attack. His goal-scoring prowess has been a major factor in the team’s domestic and European success, and Rodgers is eager to see how he performs against one of Europe’s elite sides in Borussia Dortmund.
In his pre-match press conference, Rodgers highlighted Furuhashi’s ability to rise to the occasion, stating, “Kyogo is a special player. His movement off the ball is world-class, and his intelligence on the pitch is something that can trouble any defense. I’m really excited to see him in this environment—he’s ready for the big occasion.”
Facing Borussia Dortmund, a club renowned for their intense pressing and attacking style, will be a major test for Celtic. The German side boasts a strong defensive line, anchored by veterans like Mats Hummels and emerging stars such as Nico Schlotterbeck. However, Rodgers believes that Furuhashi’s pace and ability to exploit spaces between the lines will pose a significant threat to Dortmund’s backline.
Rodgers has made it clear that Celtic won’t be traveling to Dortmund just to defend; instead, they aim to impose their game on their hosts, with Kyogo spearheading the attack. “We know Dortmund are an excellent side, but we’re not going there to sit back. We’ll look to play our game, and Kyogo will be a big part of that. His sharpness in the final third is something I believe can cause them problems,” Rodgers said.
For Kyogo, the Dortmund clash offers an opportunity to further enhance his growing reputation on the European stage. While he has already impressed in domestic competitions and scored crucial goals for Celtic in European qualifiers, a standout performance in the Champions League group stage against a side of Dortmund’s caliber could elevate his profile even further.
Rodgers has faith in his star forward to handle the pressure and deliver when it matters most. “These are the nights that every player dreams of—playing in the Champions League, under the lights in front of a passionate crowd. Kyogo thrives in these moments, and I can’t wait to see him seize this opportunity.”
Kyogo Furuhashi’s rapid rise at Celtic has already earned him admiration from fans and pundits alike, and with Brendan Rodgers at the helm, his development has taken another leap. Rodgers’ belief in Kyogo’s ability to shine on the European stage speaks volumes about the player’s potential and importance to Celtic’s ambitions in the Champions League.
As the Hoops travel to Dortmund, all eyes will be on Furuhashi, whose dazzling movement and sharp finishing could be key to unlocking a result in one of the toughest arenas in world football. For Rodgers, it’s clear: Kyogo is the man to watch, and Celtic’s hopes of a memorable result rest heavily on his shoulders.
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