His team's heavy defeat to Luis Enrique's men came
about because they showed the Liga champions too much respect, according
to the coach
Brendan Rodgers believes Celtic were made to pay for showing
Barcelona too much respect at Camp Nou and is determined to learn from
the 7-0 defeat's harsh lessons on Wednesday.
Lionel Messi hit a hat-trick and Neymar and Andres Iniesta got among
the goals before a late Luis Suarez brace sealed Celtic's worst-ever
European defeat in September.
Rodgers' Scottish Premiership leaders have performed with far more
distinction since then, claiming a share of the spoils at home to
Manchester City and away at Borussia Monchengladbach in Champions League
Group C.
However, they are still looking for their first round-robin win after
four matches, and only an unlikely victory can preserve Celtic's hopes
of remaining in the competition – a City win at Gladbach will eliminate
them regardless.
Ahead of the Parkhead match, former Liverpool boss Rodgers is
primarily concerned with his players showing Barca what they are made of
this time around.
"We showed them too much respect and the scoreline was bitterly disappointing at the time," said Rodgers.
"There were many aspects we learnt from, like being brave, and the players have shown they have learned from that.
"It was a tough game against a top-class, world-class team, but I'd hope it will be a different performance from ourselves.
"We have to fight and ensure we do everything we can to try to stop them, but it's not easy.
"They are a team of quality that can play through pressure and we have have to play how we are best – on the front foot.
"You also need a little bit of luck as well and when the opportunities come, you can take them."
Rodgers will assess striker Leigh Griffiths, who is making progress
in his recovery from a hamstring injury, and maintains Celtic can repeat
the improbable victory they registered against Barca in 2012.
"We have to look to impose our style and make it as difficult as we possibly can," he added.
"For us it's about the team. It's an opportunity for us all to play
here. We want to get a victory and know it will be difficult.
"We have no fear for the result. If we play our style we have an opportunity to get the result."
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