Atalanta v Celtic: Champions League – BBC Sport

Asked if he would be more pragmatic, Rodgers replied: “I think if you look at this club here at Atalanta, it's a great example. Obviously they have completely different resources – they are way beyond us in this respect.”

“But if you look at the actual principle, they did it and got to this level. I'm sure the manager will tell you they've had some really tough learning experiences in terms of the games they've played, particularly against the best Premier League teams, it was a real challenge and the results were difficult for her.

“But then they come away and learn from it, I'm pretty sure, and stick with the philosophy but still look at certain areas where they can be better and improve. And of course it makes you better.”

“So when you talk about a pragmatic coach, it’s a different coach, I’m a different person. And that doesn't mean that we go into the game and just attack and be at the front. “That’s the way it is.” not the way it is. But if it's a coach's DNA to sit back and be that, then it won't be that easy.

Asked about Atalanta's aggressive man-to-man marking style, Rodgers said Celtic face a difficult task that will test individuals.

“It's about more than man-marking, it's this really aggressive style, the way they man-mark, the way they cover the game, for me it's also the best in world football,” he said.

“We have experienced this but at a slightly lower level, but it is still the same principle. When you play against teams that are very aggressive and push them forward, in football you have to be very vertical, so you have to be careful to play forward.

“You have to be good in duels, so you have to be able to take the ball under pressure.”

“You have to be able to connect the play quickly, one and two touches. You also have to be able to stay on the ball and eliminate pressure by dribbling.”

“It will be a very different game to what you would normally see in most weeks if you don't see Atalanta often because a lot of teams will play with zonal pressure. Atalanta really pushes you to the limit with this persona duel.

“Again, it’s that belief and patterns that can get you through the pressure. When you see how many teams play against Atalanta, of course they will be much more direct because there is scope to get involved in it.”