Following a hard-fought 1-0 victory against Ross County, Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers shared his thoughts on a game that proved more challenging than the scoreline suggests.
The match, marked by missed opportunities and a struggle to maintain rhythm, offered a stern test for Celtic.
It was a full encounter, which didn’t see Celtic perform well at all.
Rodgers acknowledged the difficult nature of such games, particularly when compounded by missed penalties. [Football Scotland]
“It was a good result, those games can be difficult and we made it more difficult when we missed the penalties. We forced errors from them for the penalties but they took a bit out the crowd and the team. Then it was a bit more frustrating with not quite playing with the tempo or structure we wanted to.
“Second-half was much better, we created opportunities and in any game if you’re 1-0 going into those last moments there can be anxiety, but they managed it well, Joe had one save to make late on and we closed the game out.”
The failure to convert from the spot not only reduced Celtic’s chances of a more comfortable win but also seemed to affect the team’s momentum and the atmosphere in the stadium.
Despite these setbacks, Rodgers was pleased with how his team responded in the second half. He noted an improvement in the creation of scoring opportunities, a sign of Celtic’s resilience and ability to adapt.
Celtic have some tough away days in the league ahead, as well as a tough trip to St Mirren in the cup. The team will need to up their performance to take maximum points and a progression in the cup.
Feel sorry for the fans in the stadium and the players on the bench, who though they had a chance coming on and changing this turgid affair.
But three points are three points, Brendan has the money waiting in the wings if he seems he needs new impetus.
That time is fast running out, but the fans who give their steadfast support each game, at Paradise and countless other stadiums, don’t see it that way.
No to more trying to break down ‘ten men behind the baw’ teams without either a avalanche of goals or their goalie playing out of his skin stopping the inevitable thrashing.
The future started at the end of this game!!!!!