Rodgers: Celtic almost down and out
CELTIC manager Brendan Rodgers admits it will be very difficult for his side to progress further in Europe following their disappointing 2-0 home Champions League defeat by Borussia Monchengladbach.
The Germans arrived in Glasgow with a horrendous injury list and struggling for form following defeats by Manchester City and Barcelona in their opening Group C fixtures.
However, the Bundesliga side dominated the match and second-half goals from captain Lars Stindl and Andre Hahn helped them inflict only Celtic’s fourth home defeat in 26 Champions League games.
The result leaves the Hoops bottom of Group C with just one point from three games ahead of their return match with the Germans next month.
“It is very difficult for us now,” Rodgers said. “The game in Germany was always earmarked as a game that was going to be tough for us away from home and the home games were going to be important for us.
“It wasn’t to be tonight and we just didn’t cope with them. Our next game is over there which I expect will be very tough again and we will try to do the very best that we can.”
Better had been expected from the Hoops after an intense performance on match day two against Manchester City had helped them claim a 3-3 draw with the English Premier League giants.
However, the Monchengladbach players seemed to have the measure of them from the start as they controlled proceedings.
Monchengladbach had taken the lead in bizarre circumstances. Kolo Toure was caught trying to usher the ball out inside the six-yard box but Hahn’s perseverance allowed him to dig the ball back into ball for the advancing Stindl who lashed the ball through the legs of Craig Gordon.
Another costly mistake from Toure allowed the visitors to increase their advantage.
The experienced defender was caught dithering on the ball by Hahn who robbed him of possession near the halfway line and raced away to blast a strike into the top right-hand corner of Gordon’s net. – AFP