Brendan Rodgers demands perfect pitch and urges Celtic bosses to rip up Parkhead playing surface

  • Brendan Rodgers is not happy with the state of the pitch at Parkhead
  • He was speaking after Celtic's 2-0 win over Motherwell on Saturday
  • Rodgers watched his side open up a 27-point gap on second-placed Aberdeen 

Brendan Rodgers revealed he has told Celtic bosses to rip up the Parkhead pitch after watching his side score a sluggish 2-0 success over Motherwell.

The Celtic manager wants a 'Desso' hybrid grass pitch laid at the home of the champions this summer to ensure his team plays in the slick manner he witnessed earlier in the season.


A Moussa Dembele penalty and strike from James Forrest saw Celtic saunter to a 20th consecutive Ladbrokes Premiership victory and open up a 27-point gap on Aberdeen.

Brendan Rodgers gives the Parkhead crowd the thumbs up after the 2-0 win over Motherwell

Brendan Rodgers gives the Parkhead crowd the thumbs up after the 2-0 win over Motherwell

However, Rodgers believes his men will only be able to up the level of entertainment and quality of football in home matches if the current playing surface is replaced.

Saturday's result was a seventh Parkhead win without conceding a goal, a run stretching back to December 17 when Marcus Haber scored for Dundee.

Yet perfectionist Rodgers has demanded change and stated: 'It is a concern for me. When we're trying to entertain supporters and play a level of game, the pitch is vital. But we'll get it organised, we'll get it sorted I'm sure.

'Hopefully the pitch could go down in the summer. That's what we should do. It' s an old pitch here, so we need to modernise the field. We actually go away to some grounds and play better because the pitch is better. This here slows us down.'

When asked if he had requested a new surface, Rodgers said: 'Yes. We need a Desso.'

He added: 'I thought the players did remarkably well, considering the level of the pitch is poor. Some of our football was very good on what, although it might not look it, is a very, very difficult field.

Celtic striker Moussa Dembele celebrates after opening the scoring in the win over Motherwell

Celtic striker Moussa Dembele celebrates after opening the scoring in the win over Motherwell

'Motherwell did very well on the back of losing seven goals. You're always going to come, sit deep and block up the spaces.

'Whenever you do that, you rely on the speed of the game, the combinations, the quick play. But our players have to deal with a real difficult pitch.

'Technically they're having to make sure they take a touch before they get it under control. They can't play first time. The game first 20 minutes was slow, we weren't aggressive enough.

'We didn't penetrate enough, weren't incisive enough. We could've had two or three more, so I was pleased in general. It's a great focus the players have.'

Rodgers went on to dismiss a link with Rennes goalkeeper Benoit Costil, adding: 'Tell me why I'd want the Rennes goalkeeper when I have Craig Gordon who is sweeper-keeper, top class.'

James Forrest celebrates after doubling Celtic's lead as they went 27-points clear at the top

James Forrest celebrates after doubling Celtic's lead as they went 27-points clear at the top