Brendan Rodgers insists brave Celtic’s credibility has been restored at elite European level after last-gasp Champions League heartache against Bayern Munich.
The Hoops boss watched his side denied an historic first ever victory on German soil in the final minute of injury time as Alphonso Davies struck a late sickener to cancel out Nicolas Kuhn’s opener which was set to send the game into extra time. But it was Vincent Kompany’s side who snaked into Friday’s last 16 draw yet Rodgers was beaming with pride in Bavaria at the courage of his side following their 2-1 first leg defeat in Glasgow – and said his objective on returning to Parkhead had been achieved despite being eliminated.
He said: “Our European credibility has been restored this season, built up from last year. That’s my takeaway from this season. We’ve shown real quality at times. You think of the last time we were in Germany and the improvements we’ve made.
“It wasn’t what the players deserved, especially right at the very end. They gave so much to the game, played with confidence with the ball. We knew we would have to defend but we didn’t give away too much in the game.
“We’ve found a nice template when we don’t have the ball to have that security. Hopefully come next season we can improve the squad even more. At this level to be able to bring quality off the bench and have that freshness is the next step.
“This season has been so good, we’ve played some amazing football and my objective is to make us a seasoned team at this level. I said to the players in the dressing room that I came back to make progress in Europe and if I judge that myself tonight they have given me everything and we have to learn from that and get back in next season.
“Our concentration was good and we denied them space but had quality and some great moves and the best chances in the game. It was a heroic performance and just unfortunate at the end. We wanted to started the game fast. It was important we didn’t give away too much, we needed to have aggression and control with and without the ball.
“We tried to build the game and got in some great positions and had two big chances. We had one cleared off the line. I always felt we’d be there in the game. It was about transferring the confidence into our pay and it was a cruel way to go out.
“In the last 25, 30 minutes at Celtic Park, Daizen Maeda unnerved them with his pace. But we had good moments where we couldn’t press and we had to be compact and tight. They hit the bar late on in the first half but other than that we were good. You have to survive moments at this level but that’s part of the game. But we were a real threat.”
Skipper Callum McGregor admitted it was heartbreaking and said: “Probably one of the cruelest to be honest (of his career).
“The players gave absolutely everything and pushed a really good Bayern side all the way to the last kick of the ball. Sometimes football is cruel and you don’t always get what you deserve but I have to say I am so proud of the players.
“The way that they played and handled themselves, they gave absolutely everything and we came off the pitch with no regrets.”
The Hoops players appeared to appeal for a foul on substitute Adam Idah in the build up to the goal and McGregor admitted: “It can be a factor but we don’t really want to use things like that as an excuse. We go right through the game and there are some things that could be different. It’s a real sore one but I think we can be proud of ourselves.
“There has been a lot of belief, growth and confidence in the team (during the campaign). So we have to bank that and continue on it as I think anyone watching tonight could see a good Celtic team.”