Saturday 19 May 2018 18:21, UK
Brendan Rodgers thinks Celtic can get even better next season after the club secured an unprecedented successive domestic treble with a 2-0 Scottish Cup final win over Motherwell at Hampden Park.
In a dominant display, Callum McGregor fired the Hoops ahead in the 11th minute and fellow midfielder Olivier Ntcham doubled that lead after 25 minutes with a 25-yard drive.
Rodgers' side remained in control for the most part against their hard-working, but outclassed, opponents to also complete the cup double over Motherwell, who they beat 2-0 in the Betfred Cup final in November.
The historic victory also made it eight wins out of eight at the national stadium for Rodgers since taking over in 2016, a record which bodes well for next season when the Parkhead club will look to continue their domination of the Scottish game, currently underpinned by seven successive Ladbrokes Premiership titles.
And Rodgers, speaking to Sky Sports after Celtic's success, is backing his side to be even better next season.
"They can improve in terms of performance level, league and points," he said. "We lost more games than last year and we drew more games than last year, so there's lots we can do better.
"I need to push them even harder next year and that's going to be important. However, the club can enjoy this year. It's a monumental achievement, it's a historical day and one that will be with everyone forever.
"We'll come back in a few weeks' time and go again."
Celtic are the first side in Scotland to win all three cups in successive years and Rodgers was unable to hide his pride, saying this season's achievements outweigh last season's.
"We had an amazing season last season," he said. "Obviously we are under greater expectation and scrutiny this season so to do it again, I think it's a better achievement than last year.
"I'm immensely proud. I thought the players were fantastic today and I'm just so happy for the players, the supporters and the staff.
"They put so much in. it's been a really tough, competitive season for us this season, but to come out of it again with three trophies, it fills you with pride."
