Celtic FC News: Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has spoken about the defeat against Valencia in the Europa League. The manager insists the Hoops have been rightly punished for their mistakes. (h/t S TV News)
The Spanish side battered the hosts at Celtic Park last night, ending the winning run of the Hoops since the start of the year.
Rodgers’ side were off-colour in a match which turned out to be less-daunting for the visitors.
History repeated itself as the Scottish club’s run of bad luck continued at the European competitions as they ended the night with a two-goal defeat.
Valencia’s dominance
Denis Cherysev drew the first blood right before the end of the first half benefiting from Ruben Sobrino.
The Spanish side commenced the second half with a goal to double their lead; this time it was Sobrino who found the net after a sublime cross from the left flank by Cherysev. Once again, the Hoops defenders were left answerless.
The skipper Daniel Parejo played a huge role in orchestrating the game before he left the field injured at the end of the first half. And the Scottish side couldn’t make good use of it as they were beaten 2-0.
Despite dominating the stats in possession and the number of passes played, the Hoops made a lot of mistakes which cost them the game:
Rodgers said, (h/t S TV News)
“It ended up being a disappointing night for us.
“It’s a concern, at this level, it is a concern. It’s basic mistakes really and that is concentration.
“Against really good sides you have to take care and do the basics well, Valencia did that very well and took their chances”.
He added that his side has to look up and learn from the mistakes they made.
Rodgers believes the return of Kieran Tierney should help his side in the second leg. The Hoops manager further commented (h/t S TV News)
“You have to have the belief at this level,” he added.
“We have good players and might have one or two back next week
“We need to defend and concentrate well, especially in key moments of the game.
Rodgers is optimistic of going to the second leg and scoring the early goal.
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The Hoops will be travelling to the Mestalla next week for their second leg clash with Valencia.