“We were a little bit passive in our pressing,” Brendan Rodgers

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The Celtic Star

·13 février 2025

“We were a little bit passive in our pressing,” Brendan Rodgers

Brendan Rodgers admitted post-match with TNT Sports that his Celtic side were probably not aggressive enough when pressing Bayern Munich for long spells last night…

Brendan Rodgers, Manager of Celtic, acknowledges the fans following the UEFA Champions League Knockout Play-off First Leg match between Celtic and Bayern München at Celtic Park on February 12, 2025. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

The Celtic manager believes that whilst his team never gave too much away, could have tried harder to dominate at home. The Irishman takes his side to the Allianz Arena this Tuesday now knowing they have to score if they harbour any real ambitions of making it into the Last-16.

Vidéos OneFootball

Many aspects of Celtic’s play was pleasing

Many aspects of Celtic’s play was pleasing last night; particularly the structure that we maintained throughout the whole event. Too often the club have faced superior quality and after conceding went to bits and as a result, the foundations have started to crumble and we become frayed and easy to pick off.

That didn’t really happen last night and although the pressing never really materialised in any significant way, Rodgers was pleased with the mentality to fight back and stay in the tie heading to Germany.

Celtic starting XI Celtic v Bayern Munich, UEFA Champions League, Knockout Round Play-offs, First Leg, Celtic Park, 12 February 2025. Photo Stuart Wallace Shutterstock

“It looked like we got off to the perfect start with a fantastic goal but sadly it wasn’t given,” Brendan said.

‘We had a couple of moments in counter attack’

“We had a couple of moments in counter attack but my overriding feeling is that although we didn’t give away much, we were a little bit passing in our pressing and didn’t identify those moments of when to go and you have to sink back a little bit deeper.

“We still feel without doing so much with the ball that we were stable enough without it and then they get a bit of luck right on half time when the ball ricochets to young Michael and he’s got great quality and finishes. It was about being more aggressive for us and that was our mindset in the second half.”

Hyunjun Yang lifts his jersey as the final whistle blows with Reo Hatate on the ground in front, dejected Celtic v Bayern Munich, UEFA Champions League, Knockout Round Play-offs, First Leg, Football, Celtic Park on 12 February 2025 Photo Stuart Wallace Shutterstock

The pitfalls of leaving players such as Harry Kane unmarked

The Celtic boss was eager to remind his side of the pitfalls of leaving players such as Harry Kane unmarked in the box from corner kicks, saying: “I just said to the guys that in our corners we’ve been very good in our corners and everything else but one player you don’t leave unmarked is arguably the best striker in world football and Harry finished really well, 2-0.

Jota of Celtic reacts to missed opportunity Celtic v Bayern Munich, UEFA Champions League, Knockout Round Play-offs, First Leg, Celtic Park, 12 February 2025 Photo Stuart Wallace Shutterstock

‘At 2-1 they were hanging on’

“We had to make the changes but in the last 25 minutes we pressed the game and were more active at the top end of the pitch and you see what it brought; an aggression and we got the goal and at 2-1 they were hanging on. That’s what we can take from it.”

Celtic fans display tifo before kick-off Celtic v Bayern Munich, UEFA Champions League, Knockout Round Play-offs, First Leg, Celtic Park, 12 February 2025 Photo Stuart Wallace Shutterstock

Looking ahead to the return leg though, the man who has guided the Bhoys to the knockout stages for the first time in 12 years added: “We’ve got one more shot. It’s a new level for a lot of the players. They’ve done absolutely great and now we go to a wonderful arena, fantastic pitch – let’s go and have no regrets and see where it takes us.

“The game is still in the balance. It’s tight. We’ve shown we can play football and can be a threat so we’re still right in the tie. With their quality and the goals they can score it can be out of sight but that’s not the case and I’m looking forward to it already.”

"Let's go and have no regrets" 👊 Brendan Rodgers analyses his team's performance, and his feelings ahead of next week's 2nd leg. 📺 @tntsports & @discoveryplusUK
– mercredi 12 février 2025