Brendan Rodgers shares what he told Celtic players at half-time

Celtic fans were not happy with what they saw from the Hoops in the first 45 minutes, as they went into the break 0-0. It was an absolutely underwhelming performance from a team that cannot afford any more slip-ups between now and the end of the season. Fortunately, Brendan Rodgers' side did turn things around in the second-half, and ultimately won by a comfortable 3-0 scoreline.

Reo Hatate opened the scoring for Celtic in the 52nd minute. Then Kyogo added to their tally at the hour mark and Adam Idah scored off the bench late in the game.

It was not a great overall display by any means but Celtic were much better in the second 45 minutes. And that has left many fans wondering about what Rodgers must have told players at half-time.

As it turns out, it looks like it was nothing extraordinary. Rodgers has shed light on the situation himself. As reported by 67 Hail Hail, he said to BBC Radio Scotland:

"It was nothing overboard. I felt in the first half we were a little bit passive in our pressing and counter-pressing. When you’re like that then, with the ball, it’s not quite so aggressive.

“We arrived into the final third on numerous occasions and didn’t keep it well enough to combine and sustain the attack. Or we arrived or tried to get in too early.

“It was just a case of highlighting the patience of the game and maintaining the speed of the game. Once we got the goal early in the second half, the combinations were there. It’s a great finish by Reo.

“These types of games, when the team are sat in, compact, tight and very well organised, then the first goal is absolutely critical. We got that early in the half and the players were then outstanding for the remainder."

Brendan Rodgers shares what he told Celtic players at half-time

Whatever Rodgers did end up saying quite certainly had a positive impact on Celtic's performance after the break. The result means that the club now have a four point lead over the Rangers in the title although they have played a couple of games more.

Points on the board are key though and do build up some pressure on the Rangers to win their games in hand. One slip-up from them and Celtic could be back on level terms if not better.

Ultimately though, it does feel like a lot of this title race could depend on how things go at Parkhead when Celtic and the Rangers face each other in the final Glasgow Derby of this league campaign. The Hoops have won two of their three meetings this season so far while the other was the recent 3-3 draw at Ibrox.