Youth coach Stevie Frail had mixed emotions after Celtic’s 3-1 win over PSV Eindhoven in the Next Gen Series on Wednesday night.
After two narrow defeats to Sporting Lisbon and Aston Villa Frail had stressed to the players the importance of starting strongly.
Three goals in the opening twenty minutes from Patrik Twardzik, Callum McGregor and John Herron answered that request but a goal conceded on the stroke of half time led to a few nervy moments in the second half although Leo Fasan was only called on to make one outstanding save.
“I’d have been delighted to be offered that result before the kick off but we set high standards at this club and I was a bit disappointed by the second half,” Frail explained.
“We had an outstanding first 30 minutes, it’s impossible to keep that up over the whole match but it was a total contrast to the rest of the game. We’re delighted with the win but still disappointed by aspects of the game.
“If we’d gone into the second half leading 3-0 they’d have been dispirited, we gave them a goal before the break and that gave them a bit of hope for the second half.
“After the first few minutes we had then un-nerved, when your opponents make two substitutions after 30 minutes you know they are concerned.
“Leo (Fasan) had one top quality save at a vital time in the game. As soon as their boy headed it it looked in but Leo turned it round the post.”
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Frail added: “We’re pleased with the three points which takes us back into contention in the group.
“PSV are a good side, they’ve beaten Aston Villa and Sporting Lisbon at home without losing a goal and we came out good winners against them.
“Dutch football is a fantastic model, PSV Eindhoven are a great club but I hope that they’ll go home and take parts of our game.
“We are trying to produce good football players and I think that performance proves we’re on the right road.
“We got a big lift from the first teams performance in Moscow, the manager and players deserve loads of credit.
“In our team talk we mentioned that result to our players, that should give them inspiration and hopefully our result can continue the feel good factor across the whole club.”
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Onwards and upwards Celtic….that is all!
HH 1NL YNWA TAL
That’s the way……never settle for less as that’s exactly what you will achieve. 30 mins of top quality football, next time we want 40+
Still a lot of work to do but in with a chance.
Needing a win in Eindhoven or Lisbon, tough but not impossible.