IT’S A DIFFERENT BAWLGAME Rodgers laments the gap in spending as Celts lick wounds after Euro humbling
SIMUNOVIC admits Celtic need a drastic improvement to keep their fading Euro hopes alive.
The Croat and Co were bitterly disappointed by Thursday’s 2-0 defeat to Valencia that leaves them on the verge of elimination from the Europa League.
Simunovic refuses to give
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up hope on a staggering and unlikely turnaround in the Mestalla.
But he said: “It is very simple – we need to play at a better level and be better in the counter-attack. If we do that we have a chance.
“It can be a different game for sure. We had lots of the ball but need to BRENDAN RODGERS insists there will be no Euro hangover for Celtic as they return to their own sport.
The Hoops boss is adamant his players will bounce right back from continental disappointment to produce on the domestic stage.
Rodgers and his troops go into a mammoth Premiership crunch at Kilmarnock tomorrow on the back of their sobering Europa League loss at the hands of Valencia.
Celtic didn’t perform and the manager admitted it felt like being in another world as the slick Spaniards called £36 million summer signing Goncalo Guedes onto the pitch with his team already leading by two goals.
Rodgers admitted: “Yeah, different sport isn’t it?
“We have to get on with it and just do our very, very best. Listen, we’ve done great to get out our group with the teams that were there. “We accept the challenge. it’s huge. Every game game.” Rodgers is convinced his team will bounce back against Steve Clarke’s troops at Rugby Park and continued: “The beauty of this group is that we have always tried to be honest in reflections on the game knowing there’s another game soon.
“We didn’t show our true face against Valencia, but that’s how it goes. We now is
be better with it. It was a disappointing result but we have another chance and of course we have to believe and we want to believe.
“We will see next week. We will try to fix the result and yes we have a chance.”
Simunovic was afforded a big chance with Filip Benkovic injured and Kris a it’s a learning have to get ready for Sunday. We’ll look at how everyone is, but we’ll make a few changes just to re-energise the team.
“It’s tough with a game a couple of days later, but these boys have been magnificent over the last two and a half years with how they pick themselves up.
“We won’t be feeling sorry for ourselves. We’ll re-focus and get back to how we usually play. “The pitch can affect the speed of the game, but we have to deal with that and a strong and committed team with good quality. We have to be ready.”
Rodgers refused to wade into the latest artificial surface row having previously stated they have no place in Scotland’s top-flight.
Celtic’s players were among the PFA Scotland petition to have the pitches outlawed, but he added: “It’s something I don’t want to go into as it’s something I’ve said before.
“The players have now gone away and looked at it and there’s not more for me to add. We just get on with it.”
It’s a different sport isn’t it? We just have to get on with it and do our very best. We accept the challenge
Ajer on the bench. Having toiled for games this season, the 24-year-old said: “It is always nice to be back in the team and playing in games like that.
“It is good for me and my experience so I am looking forward. I never lost faith in myself. I am a Celtic player. I’ve always believed in that.”