NO EUROPA HANGOVER
FROM BACK PAGE manager admitted it felt like being in another world as the Spaniards called £36million summer signing Goncalo Guedes on to the pitch when they were already 2-0 up. Rodgers said: “Yeah, it’s a different sport isn’t it?
“We have to get on with it and just do our very best.
“Listen, we’ve done great to get out our group with the teams that were there. We accept the challenge. It’s a huge challenge. Every game is a learning game for us.”
Rodgers is convinced his team will bounce back at Rugby Park and added: “The beauty of this group is 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’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 refocus and get back to how we usually play.”
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.”
Instead of pitches, Rodgers preferred to concentrate on performances and assess what needed to be changed for his team to improve on the continental scene.
Celtic were masters of their own downfall against Valencia with mistakes and skipper Scott Brown was among those who lost their way.
Rodgers said: “It shows how a number of mistakes affect the momentum at that level.
“It was basic mistakes. Passing the ball out under no pressure and we had to try to respond.
“It can affect your belief and after a good 15 minutes we built the pressure on ourselves.
“It wasn’t the crowd. They were magnificent. We put it on ourselves.
“That’s when you need the personality to take the ball with one, two or three touches and ease your way up the park against a good team where there’s not a lot of space.
“They sat in tight and we had to try to work it rather than forcing it.
“If you move them across they still have the agility to get across and close the gaps. You only have to look at the quality of teams you meet at this level. They are a good side but we can be better. It’s as simple as that.”