Celtic boss makes bold decision against Atletico Madrid

The microscope is always larger when it comes to the Champions League. Thus, Brendan Rodgers has to make sure that he does not make any mistakes in Celtic’s away game against Atletico Madrid. It is one that they cannot afford to lose if they are to remain in a European competition beyond Christmas. That is easier said than done.

The added pressure has not led to the manager playing it safe though. Instead, he has made the bold decision of dropping David Turnbull to the bench and starting Paulo Bernardo in midfield alongside Matt O’Riley and Callum McGregor.

Turnbull started the previous two games for Celtic and scored in both. Thus, the Scottish midfielder is a man in form. If things don’t go the Hoops’ way against Atletico Madrid, the decision to drop him will certainly become a point of discussion.

That being said, Bernardo played against Atletico Madrid in the reverse fixture at Parkhead and he did quite well against them. So, one cannot really question the thought process behind giving him the start.

Celtic boss makes bold decision against Atletico Madrid

Celtic did very well in the Parkhead game between the two teams. They will need to produce at least a performance of that calibre to take something from their trip to the Metropolitano Stadium.

It is hard to predict which version of Celtic will turn up in these games. The Hoops have been very inconsistent in Europe in recent years. But overall, their performances have been solid. What they need to work on is not giving away bad goals and turning their positive displays into good results.

A win away at the Metropolitano Stadium will put them right in the mix when it comes to making it out of the group. Even a draw would be a pretty good result and keep their hopes alive.