Brendan Rodgers was dismayed after Celtic’s 1-1 draw with Suduva highlighting a lack of concentration and pride in defending.
Over the last three European ties Celtic have lost four goals with their combined opponents barely creating ten chances over those matches.
Rodgers sounded flat as he reflected on the match despite Celtic clearly being in the driving seat to go through to the group phase of the Europa League.
????? BR: “We seemed to lack concentration which was a problem for us and lacked pride in terms of defending.” #SUDCEL #UEL
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) August 23, 2018
????? BR: “Listen, collectively we can do better. We’re controlling lots of the game but in the last round we had four shots on target against us over two games where we were clearly the better team, but conceded three goals, so it had to stop.” #SUDCEL
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) August 23, 2018
????? Brendan Rodgers speaking after #CelticFC‘s 1-1 draw away to FK Suduva tonight. #SUDCEL #UEL pic.twitter.com/7pe5Wz4jb4
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) August 23, 2018
A sharp opening punctuated by Olivier Ntcham heading the hoops in front after three minutes suggested that a corner could be turned but with Suduva’s first look at goal Ovidijus Verbickas headed the home side level with the Celtic defence static.
Celtic pushed forward throughout the remainder of the first half but it seemed as if the defensive issues that have dogged the club over the last month were casting a spell.
James Forrest and Callum McGregor came closest to putting Celtic back in front but there was no real expectation that chances would start to be converted.
Chances were at a premium after the break, Suduva tightened up with Celtic struggling to create chances despite Leigh Griffiths joining Moussa Dembele as the hoops pushed for the winning goal.