Brendan Rogers Had ‘no Reaction’ to Pre-Season Predictions of Success at Hearts

Celtic Manager Stays Focused Amidst Predictions

Despite the ambitious goals set by Tony Bloom, an influential investor at Hearts F.C., Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers remains unfazed. The Brighton owner has declared his intentions for the club, predicting a Scottish Premiership title within 10 years and aiming to secure a top-two finish this season.

“I never had any reaction,” Rodgers stated during an interview. “Tony’s a clever guy. He’s done fantastic in his life and business.” The former Liverpool and Leicester City manager added that he knew Bloom well, having seen the Brighton owner’s ability to transform clubs through data analysis and strategic decisions.

Hearts’ Early Season Success

At present, Hearts F.C. is performing exceptionally well under manager Derek McInnes. Having won seven out of eight games in the Scottish Premiership, they are positioned for a strong finish this season. A victory over Celtic at Tynecastle on Sunday would see them go eight points clear.

“They’ve got their points on the board and I think they’ll be looking to challenge right the way through the season,” Rodgers remarked, acknowledging Hearts’ early success while maintaining focus on his own team’s performance.

Preseason Predictions vs. Reality

Bloom’s predictions have not only been met but surpassed so far. His bold statements, coming after purchasing a 29 percent non-voting stake in Hearts for nearly £10 million, were seen as ambitious by many industry experts. Rodgers, however, was not surprised by these ambitions.

“He obviously has seen an opportunity at Hearts and will come in and look to add his expertise and knowledge,” Rodgers explained. “Hearts are one of the biggest clubs up here and will want to be challenging, and being in European football.” The former Liverpool and Leicester City manager also praised Bloom’s ability to leverage data analysis and business acumen to improve club performance.

Focused on Celtic’s Goals

While acknowledging Hearts’ strong start, Rodgers was quick to remind everyone of his focus on Celtic. “We’ve been so inconsistent and our goals and all that side of it hasn’t been to where we want,” he admitted. However, Rodgers remained optimistic about the future, stating, “If we can reach those levels against good sides, then we will only get better.” His emphasis was on improvement rather than complacency.

As Celtic faces upcoming challenges in both domestic and European competitions, Rodgers’ words underscore his dedication to maintaining a strong focus despite external predictions and pressures. The upcoming match against Hearts will be crucial not just for the teams involved but also as an indicator of how each club is navigating the early stages of their respective seasons.

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