Wednesday 1 November 2017

Celtic Bow To German Giant With Heads Up High

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 rejuvented 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 world class and you can see that at times.

‘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. Okay, we are disappointed to have lost, but there were so many positives from the game.’

Celtic began the game the stronger team but Boyata was at fault for Bayern’s 22nd-minute opener, the Belgian defender failing to head a long ball from keeper Sven Ulreich, although Parkhead No 1 Craig Gordon also looked suspect after rushing off his line.

‘We’ve got to deal with it,’ added Rodgers, ‘as simple as that. We’ve got good pressure on their goalkeeper, our positioning is good, so we’ve got to head it and defend it.’

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.

‘Callum can keep the ball,’ said Rodgers. ‘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 that front at this level, we can give it away loosely at times. 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 and Moussa Dembele very good up front to give us that platform. It’s another step for us in terms of being a competitive side and playing proper football at this level.'

Bayern  secured second place in the group. Praising Celtic’s players and fans, however, veteran coach Heynckes said: ‘Celtic played an amazing game today, the fans were a super support, and it was a wonderful experience for us here.’

Leaving 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 and their training. It was difficult. We knew it would be a difficult game, it would be challenging, but we have to compliment the players tonight.

‘Javi Martinez can be very dangerous when he is in this position, in front of goal. He is also very important in defence for us.’

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