LOSS IS MORE
Celts agony but Rodgers insists: Now we look like real Champs League team
BRENDAN RODGERS insists Celtic have taken a huge step towards becoming a proper Champions League outfit.
The Parkhead boss could not disguise his pride at last night’s performance, despite the shattering loss to Bayern Munich at Celtic Park.
Rodgers was dismayed at the defending for the avoidable loss of the two goals to the Germans but that did
not mask his enthusiasm over the rest of the display against one of Europe’s elite.
Celtic almost grabbed a point when Callum McGregor levelled 16 minutes from time, only for Javi Martinez to break their hearts just three minutes later.
However, Rodgers believes it was a huge move in the right direction and has proved his troops are capable of being competitive against the cream of the Continent.
Bayern boss Jupp Heynckes confessed the hosts played “an amazing game” and Rodgers said: “The disappointment in the changing room shows how well we played.
“I was very proud of the team. We caused them lots of problems.
“We are disappointed with the goals. You get punished at this level but overall we looked like a proper team who are developing at this level.
“There there were so many positives from the game and it’s a huge step for their confidence.
“Apart from the two goals we conceded, I thought defensively we were very, very good.
“We played our shape very well. We blocked spaces and pressed the game at the right times.
“We found the gaps and played very, very well, so it gives you confidence.
“Right across the team, I was really, really pleased with how they worked the ball and played with that composure at this level.
“It’s another step for us in terms of being a competitive side playing proper football.” Rodgers reserved special praise for his Scottish contingent, with James Forrest and Callum McGregor excelling after being handed starts and combining superbly for the Celtic goal.
He said: “Callum can keep the ball. People maybe wonder why he played in front of others but he is a player who looks after the ball.
“We still have a bit of work to do on keeping the ball at this level but Callum was exceptional.
“The goal was a wonderful example of two Scottish players. If a European player had done what James did, everyone would be raving about it.
“It was an incredible skill to make the pass and then Callum does what he does.
“Kieran Tierney was outstanding against Arjen Robben, Scott Brown was controlling in midfield.”
Of Dedryck Boyata’s decision to let a punt bounce was pounced upon by Kingsley Coman to net, Rodgers said: “We’ve got to deal with it.
“We’ve got good pressure on their keeper, our positioning is good, so we’ve got to head it.”
Rodgers now wants his team to clinch the Europa spot with Champions League last 16 now out of reach.
He said: “Now what we have to do is go on and finish it off over these next two games. PSG will be a big test for us again but we come back here for the final group game (against Anderlecht) and achieve what we set out to achieve, which is to have European football after Christmas.”