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Brendan Rodgers says Celtic must remain patient against Valencia

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers
Image: Brendan Rodgers' Celtic face Valencia on Thursday

Brendan Rodgers says his Celtic players must remain patient in Thursday's Europa League tie with Valencia.

Valencia have proved a tough nut to crack this season, losing less La Liga games than Real Madrid and only losing twice in the Champions League - both against Juventus - despite finishing third in their group.

Rodgers wants his players to take lessons from their 2-1 win over RB Leipzig in the group stages when they welcome the Spaniards to Celtic Park for the first leg of their last 32 tie.

"Patience is part of the game," said Rodgers.

"That's the understanding of the game. You're playing against good teams. Valencia have only lost four times all season in one of the biggest leagues in Europe.

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers is seen during the UEFA Europa League Group B match between Celtic and RB Leipzig at Celtic Park on November 8, 2018 in Glasgow, United Kingdom.
Image: Celtic won two of their three home games in the Europa League group stages

"It's about respecting that the opponent is a good side.

"It's up to us to ensure we go and deliver a game and an intensity in our game that gives the supporters that hope.

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"The Leipzig game was a wonderful demonstration of that, where we played really well in the game.

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"We played ever so well but then got pegged back. They scored a goal that we could have defended better but then straight away we go and score.

"They're always tense games because there's so much on them but they're really enjoyable games.

"The players enjoy them, we as staff enjoy them and hopefully the supporters can enjoy them as well."

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