“The game should have been out of sight,” admits Celtic boss

The Celtic Star

·15 January 2025

“The game should have been out of sight,” admits Celtic boss

Brendan Rodgers laments ‘soft’ Celtic as defensive mishaps at Dens led to the Hoops throwing away their lead twice and dropping two points…

Arne Engels prepares to take the penalty. Dens Park, Dundee v Celtic. 14th January 2025. Photo Vagelis Georgariou

Arne Engels’ stoppage time penalty-kick prevented a first win for Dundee at Dens Park over Celtic since Tommy Coyne’s late winner under Dave Smith’s stewardship, 37 years ago. It would have also been The Dark Blues’ first victory over the reigning Scottish champions since Martin O’Neill’s heroes were surprisingly beaten 2-0 by Dundee in May 2001 at Celtic Park.

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Tommy Coyne record still stands thanks to Arne Engels

Tommy Coyne’s winner for Dundee in September 1988. The last time Dundee beat Celtic at Dens Park. Press cutting

Brendan Rodgers admitted he was unhappy with the way his side handled matters defensively, rightly singling out Auston Trusty for criticism after the American was outmuscled on two occasions, firstly from Simon Murray and then Aaron Donnelly for what looked to be a remarkable winner for the hosts.

Ahead of tonight’s game at Ibrox, Celtic remain 16 points ahead of theRangers at the top of the Scottish Premiership table. But, it is now seven dropped points out of a possible 12 from their last four league away games hinting at a bit of complacency creeping into the champions-elect.

‘You’ve got to deal with that better’

Speaking post-match Brendan Rodgers lamented defensive fragilities that lead to Dundee taking the lead with 10 minutes to play: “You’ve got to deal with that better,” the Irishman said. “You’ve got to stay on your feet, it’s as simple as that. You’re 6ft4, you have to deal with that better, but he knows and understands that. Across certain areas we went a bit soft.”

‘Game should have been out of sight’

“We were very passive, especially second half. The game should have been out of sight in the first half. We made a great start then we lost concentration at a set piece and our organisation allowed them to break.

‘We defended really poorly’

“The young boy [Oluwaseun Adewumi] finished well and that gave them a lift before half-time. We got in front then I expected us to click through the gears, especially in that little slope going down towards our own supporters but we defended really poorly.”

“The second goal, we need to deal with that much better and quicker then from a corner we go soft. It’s basic stuff. It’s a game we let get away from us when there was no need. Sometimes when you have dominance and when you’re creating it can make you a bit passive. We don’t normally do that, but we certainly did tonight.”

‘A point isn’t what we want but we have to take it and move on’

Brendan Rodgers. Dens Park, Dundee v Celtic. 14th January 2025. Photo Vagelis Georgariou

“So, it’s not what we expect when we consider how well we’ve defended and the aggression we’ve had but we fight till the end. A point isn’t what we want but we have to take it and move on.”

The Celtic boss acknowledged he isn’t concerned about missed chances at the top end of the field, it’s down the other end that causes him great concern heading into a much-anticipated Champions League decider next Wednesday against BSC Young Boys.

Rodgers explained, “we had good chances. We were switching the game well against their shape and had some good opportunities.

‘Main worry is from a defensive perspective’

Dundee’s first goal against Celtic at Dens Park, Dundee v Celtic. 14th January 2025. Photo Vagelis Georgariou

“We get the second goal then it can be a really good place in the game. We didn’t do that, and we get punished. My main worry is from a defensive perspective. It’s always difficult if you’re a striker but if they’re pressing and running hopefully others will contribute. He went to get something warmer then he came back [on Idah’s disappearance down the tunnel after being substituted].”

‘Got to give all the credit to Dundee’

“You’ve got to give all the credit to Dundee and Tony. We were in a good place until their goal, they fought, they were there second half, and they deserved what they got.”

“We gave them that before half-time – when they got that goal, they had something to fight for. We weren’t just there in the duels and defensive work then it’s difficult to get that rhythm and speed when you have the ball. We weren’t great after the 40th minute but we kept fighting and working and if you can’t win then don’t lose it.”

‘Yeah bless him he gave everything’

Rodgers also had a word or two to say about Hyunjun Yang scoring his first goal for Celtic since November 2023 which was overshadowed by Cameron Carter-Vickers second own goal of the season a minute later, “yeah bless him he gave everything in the game. He’s done a hundred hours shooting in training and he scores with a header. He gives his all,” the Celtic manager said.

Conor Spence