Celtic have say on Champions League heartbreak as message loud and clear on signings

Players and Rodgers discuss Celtic’s departure in Germany.

Following a heartbreaking 1-1 draw with Bayern Munich in Germany, Celtic’s Champions League campaign is ended.

In the Allianz Arena, Nicolas Kuhn gave the Scottish champions the lead halfway through the second half, bringing the play-off match against the German powerhouses dangerously near to extra time.

However, Alphonso Davies equalized in the 94th minute to give Bayern a 3-2 aggregate victory.

 

Brendan Rodgers, manager of Celtic

I believe that this season has regained our reputation in Europe. We’ve improved since last year, I believe.

That’s what I’ve learned this season. We have, in my opinion, occasionally displayed true quality.

As we head away tonight, you consider our previous trip to Germany and the progress we’ve made.

The next stage for us, in my opinion, is to re-improve the team so that we can have that freshness and be able to bring quality off the bench as well.

However, I believe that this season has been excellent. We’ve played some incredible football, experienced setbacks, and bounced back. My goal is to succeed at this level as an experienced team.

 

Callum McGregor, captain of Celtic

To be honest, it’s probably one of the cruellest. The players’ performance was phenomenal; they gave it their all and pushed a strong Bayern team until the very end, to the very last ball kick.

“Football is harsh sometimes. Even though you don’t always get what you deserve, I must admit that I’m incredibly proud of the guys for the way they played, handled themselves, and gave it their all.

“We have no regrets when we leave the field.”

 

Kasper Schmeichel, keeper for Celtic

“To defeat Bayern, you need luck, and while we had some in the game, it wasn’t with us when it mattered most.

Disappointment and frustration. It was a gutsy and heroic performance, in my opinion.

At times, football can be a cruel game, and that’s what we’re experiencing right now.

“An additional half hour would have been fantastic, and I was enjoying every second of it.”

However, it was not meant to be, and there is a great deal of disappointment at the moment.

However, I believe that when we look back over the next few days and consider that we traveled to Bayern and were frustrated by the draw, it will be clear how we began the campaign and how far we have come.

 

Alphonso Davies, the Bayern scorer

“Getting that moment was incredibly pleasant. I just wanted to come in with some freshness after my injury. I did it, and I’m glad I achieved the objective.

“I simply had to go and block Cameron Carter-Vickers’s kick with my foot when Leon (Goretzka) headed the ball. I took it on.

We are unable to choose between Bayer Leverkusen and Atletico. In any case, we are prepared for the fight, and it will be a difficult game.