BEATEN BUT NOT BOWED

We looked like a Champions League team, says Rodgers

BRENDAN RoDgERs praised Celtic for playing like a proper Champions League team despite the anguish of a home defeat to Bayern Munich.

The Parkhead side threatened to win a precious point after Callum Mcgregor’s strike cancelled out Kingsley Coman’s first-half opener following slack defending by Dedryck Boyata.

It proved futile, however, when Javi Martinez headed Bayern’s winner with 13 minutes to play.

Celtic can still secure Europa League football after Christmas by avoiding defeat against Anderlecht in their final home game in group B.

Insisting his team were gutted to lose to a side rejuvenated under Jupp Heynckes, Rodgers said: ‘The disappointment in the changing room afterwards leads us to think about how we played tonight. That disappointment shows

you how well we played. The level of composure and quality we played with, I was very proud of the team. We caused them lots of problems. Individually, of course, they are worldclass and you can see that. ‘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.’ Celtic began the stronger team but Boyata was at fault for Bayern’s 22ndminute opener, the Belgian defender failing to head a long ball from keeper Sven Ulreich albeit Parkhead No1 Craig Gordon also looked suspect after rushing off his line. Gordon claimed there had been a handball by Coman before the Frenchman slotted the ball into an unguarded net. ‘I haven’t seen it so I wouldn’t be sure if Coman handballed it or not,’ said Rodgers. ‘I’m more disappointed we didn’t deal with the header. ‘Craig was in a good start position and that, at least, gives him a chance. ‘From when the keeper kicks it you want your goalkeeper high and your defence on a good line, so head it.’ Celtic recovered their poise to almost snatch a point after fine performances from Scots trio James Forrest, Kieran Tierney and goalscorer McGregor. Rodgers said: ‘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.’ Bayern effectively secured second place in the group. Praising Celtic’s players and fans, however, veteran coach Heynckes said: ‘Celtic played an amazing game, the fans were a super support. It was a wonderful experience for us here.’ Having left Robert Lewandowski and Thomas Muller in Germany as a precaution ahead of a vital Bundesliga clash with Borussia Dortmund on Saturday, Heynckes said: ‘I changed the team because I had to take into account the players’ conditioning. ‘We knew it would be a difficult game, but we have to compliment the players tonight. Javi Martinez can be very dangerous in front of goal. He is also very important in defence for us.’