Brendan Rodgers opens up on Celtic meeting with the Pope as he tells stars they can 'learn' from visit

He described the visit to see the Pope as an achievement in life. Now Brendan Rodgers has urged his Celtic players to use the words of wisdom from the pontiff to help ensure they are big winners on the pitch again.

The Hoops’ European flame may have gone out for another season in Rome on Tuesday night just a few miles from the Vatican. Rodgers admits the 2-0 defeat to Lazio in the Stadio Olimpico was another body blow. But his mood was lightened with the once in a lifetime audience with the Pope just a few hours later early on Wednesday morning. A group of players, coaching staff and club management enjoyed the specially arranged visit.

Rodgers handed over a signed Celtic strip. And in return the Parkhead boss said his players were blessed with some deep and meaningful words that will help steer them not just on the park but in life. Asked if the message was one that winning and losing is not important, Rodgers said: “I’m not sure that transcends to Glasgow! But no, the spirit of what he was saying was very true. It’s what you say to players, have that spirit.

“To be number one, think that you are number two so that you are always pushing. The message, in terms of playing as an amateur, is to play with spirit and joy of the game. His words were very good. The words ring true for life, not just football. All of us who were there and got to understand the meaning of what he was saying, you can only learn from it.

“When Michael Nicholson mentioned it a few weeks prior to going, it was something that we were all looking forward to. It’s an achievement in life, it was incredible to be there. I was very honoured.”

It might have been the perfect pick me up after another Champions League sucker punch to Lazio a few hours