Helsingborg coach Age Hareide slammed his side for ridiculous mistakes in the 2-0 defeat by Celtic.
Fraser Forster was Celtic’s man-of-the-match with a series of impressive saves in-between goals from Kris Commons and Georgios Samaras.
Helsingborg won 3-1 away to Slask Warsaw in the previous round and will need to repeat or better that scoreline to make it through to the group stage of the Champions League.
“Celtic were disturbed and nervous in the first half and gave us a chance to play a good football,” Hareide claimed. “Normally, we would have scored on the chances we created, and we have to do at this international level.
“Unfortunately we made silly mistakes that cost us this match. In the second half we become worn out and frustrated.”
Looking towards the return match Hareide added: “We can not go there and believe that it is impossible. It is possible that Celtic think it’s over after this match, even if the players do not say it straight out, and it’s an advantage for us.
“We’ll play even faster and if we can get that first goal, we have a chance to make it, then Celtic will become nervous.”
While delighted by his side’s win Neil Lennon knows that there is still work to be done if Celtic are to make it into the group stage of the competition.
He said: “There is still a lot to play for in the tie as far as I am concerned. I don’t think it’s over although our home record is very, very good.
“There was enough there to worry me as Helsingborg were very impressive.”
CLICK HERE for Helsingborg gallery
Follow Video Celts on Twitter and Facebook
I think, in the cold light of day, that I have to agree with their coach. We got a great result, but we were very, very lucky. We were panicking for long periods of the game, and they tore us apart with ease half a dozen times. I hate to say it but it could’ve ended 5-2 to them.
We’ve got the makings of a good side, but it’s far from the finished article. Blow the cobwebs off of your cheque book, Mr Lawell. Actually, finish building a team for once.
Could just have easily been 6-0 to us. Woodwork twice, sammi and forest missed great chances one on one with the keeper. We created the better chances even if we were ropey at the back at times.
We play in the results business wether it could of been 5-2,5-5 or 10-0 is dose’nt matter it was 0-2 and that’s the only score that matters we won. Hail hail
Agreed frank we had some great chances mate carried a bit of luck 1st half but they carried a bit more 2nd half great performance overall just wish the support would just be glad we won and not nitpick over stuff that dose’nt matter now, we would have but there hand off for a 1-0 victory we got a 2-0 so let’s enjoy it. Hail hail
I’m delighted that we won, and we played some brilliant football at times. But problems do matter- if we want to improve as a team, that is.
We can enjoy the games and support the team, but we should never be fully satisfied until we’re regularly knocking on the door of the CL quarter finals again. That’s the level a team like Celtic should be playing at.
With the money that is getting splashed about all over europe the quarter-finals is very optimistic however not impossible we have to be happy with just getting back into the group stage no? I would bite ur hand off for 6 good performances finish 3rd and have a good run in the europa now i think that is realistic. Anyway great result last night hopefully the team will mature together and we will see there potential good YOUNG team ave age last night 24 hail hail
We really need an experienced Centre half.
Although not sure about the score could have been 5-2 to them. Celtic hit the wood work twice and big Sammy should have helped himself to another goal as well.
5-5?…although happy with 0-2. 🙂
Thought the defence as a whole were rank rotten. What happened to Izzy? Showboating in his own box and losing the ball time after time, Rogne spraying passes to the opposition out of defence to put even more pressure on the the back line. Lucky not to get beat but unlucky not to win by more too. Frustrating to watch at times. Only when Forrest came on and began running at Helsingborgs did the tie begin to sway our way. Should finish them off in Paradise thought. Onward and upward!
I think a lot of Helsingborgs 1st half supremacy was down to a lack of match sharpness by some players and clearly a couple playing well below 100% fitness. They couldn’t sustain the tempo though and were dead on their feet early in the 2nd half.
By the return leg we will be a bit fitter and hopefully welcome some players back fully fit. Great to see Forrest back and causing them untold problems.
Agree Izzy was caught a few times, we need to resolve that area as Sammy doesn’t offer enough protection and the midfield trio of Brown – Joe & Kayal definitely doesn’t work. Commons should be allowed to roam behind the striker(s) for greater effect.
Delighted with 2-0 and I expect us to add a few more. I’d like us to show more composure and retain possession, throw-ins are very basic but once the team settles down hope to see major improvement.
I will just say two things. We spent years losing games in Europe that we should have won 5-2, 25-6, you name it. Another team from somewhere around South Glasgow used to go on non-football, brick wall building courses in Europe and got to a semi final.
I am learning in my old age that playing football ‘The Glasgow Celtic Way’ has many facets and winning, without brilliance, is one of those ways. Enjoy our achievement. Be happy we won and have a great opportunity to go forward at every level.
Criticism should be no more than an enjoyable analytical and amusing pastime that allows us a wee passing moan and groan and hopefully never too serious. It ought not to be a nightmarish, heartbreaking obligation that sucks out the joy of success. That is what managers and coaches are paid relatively big salaries for. WE WON and that really is ALL THAT MATTERS ANYTIME IN THE END.
We cannot proclaim to be the poor neighbour then expect to provide the most lavish parties every week.
PS Seem to have expanded those ‘two things a wee bit’
H H
The “defence” is still the weak area in the team. How long will it take to find a decent centre back? Izzy is a shadow of the player in his first season. Others like Lustig, Wilson, Bangura, Murphy need to be sold and better quality brought in.
Really fed up with the negativity. Dont you think the media in scotland put enough downers on us without doing it ourselves. Fact is we are now doing well away in europe. Were lokking good for group stages, and we have the spl in the bag. Lets just concentrate on us and all things positive. Let the insignificent people worry about the rest. Hail hail
%1000000 agree mate to many looking at the bad points let’s just enjoy it hail hail
Wee thought to the fans on here who are having a wee moan. You are as entitled to your opinion as I am to mine but I remember playing in Europe over the years and sometimes playing to a very low standard. And getting gubbed because of this.
I also remember on occasion playing some top teams and playing way above expectations and still getting gubbed. So the latest match to draw criticism, A 0-2 win away from home will do me for starters. I trust Lenny and PL will, like the rest of us, notice where the glaring need for improvement is required. We trust them to run our Club, to pick the team and get us results wherever we play. So have your wee moan, we wouldnt be Celtic Fans if we didnt.
But remember the darker days and be happy when we do get a fantastic result like last nights.
Yeah agreed some of the negativity is a bit overboard. For 20/25 mins they gave us the run around in 1st half – important thnig is Lenny sorted it at HT by hooking Kayal and although thy had chances 2nd half they were generally from distance or not even on target.
Next week with big Vic back to protect the centre of defence we shud be fine.
I noticed in first half whenever our centre backs had the ball they were closed down by 3 forwards running at pace – 1 at the centre half & the other 2 at the right backs leaving little option but to go long hence we gave the ball away a lot. I thought at the time they’ll struggle to keep doing that all game & sure enough after 60 mins they ran out of steam & had to start making subs who were of dubious quality. Its not over yet but I’m quite sure with our quality & personnel we shud prevail & take our rightful place in CL!! HH!!
Shud read full backs – bleedin iphone!!
C’mon Bhoys 2-0 amay from home!
What a dream result.
Yes the Swedes had chances – what is it?
Somthing like only losing 2 games out of 32 at home.
They are a good team with a 1st class home record so of course they were going to get about us in the game.
But hey we beat them fair and square – great result.
I fancy a 1-0 to us at celtic park – maybe 1-1.
Hail Hail