Rodgers ‘proud’ of Celtic players in heavy defeat to ‘best of the best’

Joe Williams

Brendan Rodgers was “disappointed” with some of the goals Celtic conceded in their 7-1 defeat to PSG on Wednesday night but was still “proud” of his players.

The Scottish champions got off to the perfect start in the first minute when Moussa Dembele’s shot took a slight deflection off Edinson Cavani and flew into the PSG goal.

However, that lead only lasted until the ninth minute when Neymar started a landslide of goals that would see the French side tear apart Celtic.

And Rodgers was still positive about their chances of Europa League qualification despite the demoralising loss.

“It is a sore one,” Rodgers admitted after the match. “We conceded seven goals in Barcelona as well but there were lots of moments here where we were very good I felt. You have to admire their quality.

“They always threatened and scored some outstanding goals. I was proud of the players. We are disappointed with the goals we gave away and you can’t give away cheap goals at this level. The ball is everything, we gave it away and we were punished.

“But it goes to the final game and we can still qualify for the Europa League.

“We came here to play against the best of the best. I’d be very surprised if PSG don’t make the final of the competition.

“We played five at the back, what do you want me to do? Play seven? Sometimes you have to take your hat off to their quality. Our players ran themselves into the ground but made mistakes.”