‘Nowhere near our level’ but Celtic show ‘heart’ in landmark win

Brendan Rodgers was unwavering about the unconvincing standard of his team’s displays following his 200th victory as Celtic manager.

After his side came from behind to defeat Motherwell in stoppage time to settle a five-goal Scottish Premiership thriller, he said, “We’re nowhere near our level, I can be clear on that.”

Before a gift from visiting goalkeeper Calum Ward gave Benjamin Nygren the equalizer, a disgruntled home crowd watched as Celtic went ahead, level, and then fell behind.

Daizen Maeda’s 92nd-minute header changed the game, but the Parkhead club was on the verge of winning a third straight game.

The manager praised his players’ mentality as they continued to win the league without a win and fell back to within two points of leaders Hearts despite not meeting the demands of Rodgers.

It’s undoubtedly a very significant win for us, he declared. “The players displayed unimaginable heart,” they said.

Rodgers praised the impact of his substitutions, with Michel-Ange Balikwisha setting up Maeda for the winning goal and Nygren slamming in the 69th minute equalizer that was given to him.

However, the Celtic boss was eager to give individual praise to the winner of the game.

Maeda, a forward from Japan, has struggled to score in the 12 games that preceded this weekend, scoring just twice in total. Last term, he added 33 goals and added 12 assists.

The 27-year-old, who wanted to leave Glasgow in the summer, has been the subject of transfer speculation, according to Rodgers.

In a transfer window that sparked outrage among the supporters, a potential departure was ostensibly obstructed by the club hierarchy.

Following Sunday’s victory, the Celtic boss praised Maeda’s commitment despite the suggestion that the club’s mood is still in a bad way.

His hope is now that the dramatic winner and the subsequent wild cheers will set off a stellar run of form for the forward.

It’s enormous for him and his family, Rodgers remarked of Maeda’s triumphant moment. He would have been affected by everything in the summer without a doubt.

He has dedicated his life and soul to this club for four years. I completely respect that he experienced disappointment [in the summer].