Rodgers Urges Celtic to Play Without Fear Against Bayern Munich Despite Kane Injury Concerns

Rodgers Urges Celtic to Play Without Fear Despite Bayern's Harry Kane Injury Concerns

Celtic are preparing for a challenging second-leg encounter against Bayern Munich in the Champions League, carrying a one-goal deficit from the first leg. Despite a potential injury to Bayern's star striker Harry Kane, Celtic's manager Brendan Rodgers has urged his team to approach the match with courage and determination.

Celtic's Outlook Ahead of the Bayern Munich Match

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers emphasized the importance of playing without fear as his team faces a tough task in Munich. The Scottish side must overcome a 2-1 deficit from the first leg in Glasgow to progress to the Champions League group stages. Although Bayern Munich may be missing their talismanic striker, Harry Kane, due to a facial injury, Rodgers insists his team will not focus on Kane's absence but rather stay focused on their own game.

Harry Kane's Injury Update and Bayern's Preparation

Harry Kane missed Bayern Munich's training session on Monday following a facial injury sustained during the weekend's match against Bayer Leverkusen. Bayern’s manager, Vincent Kompany, reassured the media that Kane's condition was not serious, although he would be assessed again on Tuesday. Kane, who scored Bayern’s second goal in the first leg, could still play in the second leg if he is deemed fit, though Bayern’s confidence in their position could influence the decision.

Celtic’s Determination and Confidence

Rodgers admitted that Bayern Munich are the favorites, but he expressed confidence in his team's ability to compete at the highest level. Celtic’s progress in the Champions League under Rodgers has been notable, and he challenged his players to leave Munich with no regrets, regardless of the outcome. His call to action was clear: "We need to be brave, clever, and play without fear."

Tactical Changes: Celtic's Attack for the Second Leg

One key decision for Rodgers is how to structure his attack. Daizen Maeda’s successful performance in a central forward role during the first leg may lead to him starting in that position again. Adam Idah might be left out of the starting lineup, with Jota continuing on the left wing. Alternatively, Rodgers could opt to keep Idah in the lineup and shift Maeda to the left.

A Glimpse of Celtic’s Growth in Europe

Regardless of whether Celtic manage to overturn the deficit in Munich, Rodgers is optimistic about the progress his team has made in the Champions League. He emphasized the importance of playing with confidence and not letting fear dictate their performance. History has shown that anything is possible in football, and Celtic will give their all in pursuit of a shock result.

For more on the Champions League, visit The Guardian’s Champions League section.

Key Keywords:

• Celtic vs Bayern Munich
• Harry Kane injury
• Brendan Rodgers
• Champions League
• Bayern Munich
• Celtic FC
• Daizen Maeda
• Kasper Schmeichel
• Vincent Kompany
• Celtic attack strategy
• Bayern Munich lineup

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