CELTIC’S PAULO BERNARDO ON BRENDAN RODGERS, HEART OF MIDLOTHIAN, AND THE UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

Celtic’s Portuguese Midfielder Discusses Reigning Scottish Premiership Champions’ Manager Brendan Rodgers, Heart of Midlothian F.C., and UEFA Champions League Qualification

Bernardo Discusses His Former Manager Brendan Rodgers

Celtic Football Club and Portugal international midfielder Paulo Bernardo discussed his former manager Brendan Rodgers, now of Leicester City, in an exclusive interview recently. Bernardo played under Rodgers at Celtic from 2016 to 2019, and he had nothing but praise for his former boss.

"Brendan Rodgers is a fantastic manager," Bernardo said. "He knows how to get the best out of his players, and he always wants to win. He’s a great motivator and always wants to improve. I learned a lot from him during my time at Celtic, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to have worked with him."

Rodgers left Celtic in February 2019 to take over at Leicester City, and he has since guided the Foxes to an FA Cup title, in the 2020–21 season, and an appearance in the semi-finals of the UEFA Europa Conference League, in the 2021–22 season.

Bernardo believes that Rodgers has what it takes to be successful at Leicester City.

"Brendan Rodgers is a top manager," Bernardo said. "He’s one of the best in the world, and he’s capable of winning trophies. I’m sure he’ll be successful at Leicester City."

Bernardo on Celtic and Heart of Midlothian Rivalry

Bernardo also discussed Celtic’s rivalry with Heart of Midlothian, commonly known as Hearts. The two clubs are based in Edinburgh, and they have a long and storied history.

"The rivalry between Celtic and Hearts is one of the biggest in Scottish football," Bernardo said. "It’s a very passionate rivalry, and it’s always a great atmosphere when the two teams play each other.

It’s a rivalry that goes back many years, and there is a lot of history between the two clubs. The fans are very passionate, and it’s always a great game to be involved in."

Celtic and Hearts will next face each other on October 15, 2023, at Celtic Park.

Bernardo on Celtic’s Hopes of UEFA Champions League Qualification

Finally, Bernardo discussed Celtic’s hopes of qualifying for the UEFA Champions League. The Hoops have not played in the competition’s group stage since the 2017–18 season.

"Celtic is a big club and we always want to be playing in the Champions League," Bernardo said. "It’s the best club competition in the world, and it’s where we want to be.

We’ve got a good squad this season, and we’re confident that we can qualify for the Champions League. The fans are very passionate and they’ll be right behind us, so we’ll do everything we can to make it happen."

Celtic will begin their UEFA Champions League qualifying campaign on July 19, 2023, when they face FK Bodø/Glimt of Norway in the first qualifying round.