Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers expresses frustrations at fixture scheduling ahead of Champions League games

Brendan Rodgers has expressed his ongoing frustration at the scheduling of fixtures that gives sides little time to prepare for European games.

The Celtic manager noted that Tuesday’s Champions League opponents Borussia Dortmund will be playing on Friday while the Hoops face a trip to Perth on Saturday night.

Rodgers insisted that it is a burden for all British teams playing in European competition, with more importance given to TV scheduling ahead of game preparation, and would like to see that change in the future.

He suggested more Premiership games being played on a Friday to give Scottish sides a better chance on the continent.

Speaking to the media on Friday he said: “I think it is a frustration for all British teams, Borussia Dortmund will play Bochum tonight as they were allowed to move that game to give them three full days to prepare for the game against us on Tuesday.

“For us, we’ll probably not be home until midnight after our game on Saturday and then it’s a very quick turnaround with travelling and then playing the game.

“I think it’s the same for most British teams, the TV slots and things like that seem to take priority over the actual game and preparations.

“But we’re not the only team that have to deal with that, we’ve seen it for a number of years, the European guys will find agreements to help their teams prepare the best they can.

“I think if there is a Friday night slot then that could work well, a Friday night game can be a really good way to open up the weekend, but, of course, that is down to the television companies and everything else.

“I think it’s beyond the clubs and there has to be something in place with the federations linking in the broadcasters.

“In fairness there are more Friday night slots for the TV games in Germany, which means they can request that to give them the extra recovery day.

“So, yeah, maybe in the future, but it has been ongoing for years.”