Celtic need “genuine quality” after European exit, says Brendan Rodgers
Brendan Rodgers says more quality needs to be added to the squad
Last updated 28th Nov 2023
Brendan Rodgers bemoaned a lack of quality after Celtic's interest in Europe ended with a 2-0 defeat in the Champions League by Lazio in Rome.
The Hoops went into the make-or-break game with one point from four Group E matches but were undone with two late goals from the home side's classy substitute Ciro Immobile.
Celtic were awarded a penalty in added time for a push on substitute Oh Hyeon-gyu inside the box but it was overturned when VAR intervened and sent referee Halil Umut Meler to the pitchside monitor for another look.
The Parkhead outfit, without Luis Palma, Daizen Maeda, Reo Hatate and Liel Abada through suspension or injury, will finish bottom in their Champions League group for the second consecutive season.
Need to resolve issues "over next couple of windows"
Brendan Rodgers said: "It's the overall quality.
"We need to have our very best players available.
"What makes the difference is that bit of experience and genuine quality.
"That's something we can hopefully resolve over the next couple of windows.
He added: "But I have to commend the players that have been playing. They have given everything.
“The game was very competitive right the way through.
"In the last 20 minutes we looked like the team that could go on and get the result, but we gave away two poor goals.
"The first one, we're in a great position up the pitch and we lose possession and never recover our shape.
“Then they get a bit of luck with the deflection. That was a tough one to take.
"For the second goal, we obviously need to be stronger and better."
Celtic would "love" to give fans home victory
The Scottish champions finished on two points in the Champions League last season and they have their final match at home to Feyenoord next month to improve on that tally.
Rodgers said: "We want to finish on a high.
"We want to win in front of our own supporters.
“They haven't seen us win and we'd love to give them that victory at home and finish off with a positive result."
"Our support has been incredible, travelling all round Europe.