Rodgers admits Celtic almost down and out

GLASGOW: Celtic manager Bren-dan 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 Moen-chengladbach.

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 Moenchengladbach players seemed to have the measure of them from the start as they controlled proceedings.

Former Liverpool boss Rodgers admitted his side were still a work in progress after helping them to the Champions League group stages for the first time in three years.

“The best team won – I don’t think there is any argument about that,” Rodgers, whose side face rivals Rangers in the League Cup semi-final on Sunday, said.

“My players will learn a lot from that defeat. No matter how good we play there are still elements we need to be able to compete consistently at this level.

“I said from day one that we are in the process of building something here.”