Europa League: Celtic boss Ronny Deila is upbeat after draw
Thursday 10 December 2015 22:41, UK
Celtic manager Ronny Deila focused on the positives from the Europe League campaign following the 1-1 draw with Fenerbahce in Istanbul.
Delia's side travelled to Turkey already out of the competition despite scoring in all of their Europa League games this season.
They maintained that record at Sukru Saracoglu but also continued making basic mistakes which have cost Celtic dearly in European competition all season.
This time an error from the normally dependable Craig Gordon allowed Lazar Markovic to score into an open goal, but substitute Kris Commons netted with his first touch 15 minutes from time to earn a deserved draw.
The result means Fenerbahce join Group A winners Molde in the knockout stages ahead of Ajax, while Deila has to start addressing Celtic's shortcomings before the European qualifying ties in the summer.
"They showed today that we can get results," Deila said. "Fenerbahce are a very good football team.
"We have drawn 3-3 on aggregate against them and we were very close with Ajax as well, a team that has been in the Champions League. They are big clubs.
"Against Molde, we did well but they showed they have been the best team in the group, but of course I have confidence in this group that we can do it and we are going to show it.
"It is tough to come here. We met a very good team and I am very happy with getting a result away from home.
"I have confidence. There are small things that we want to do. My philosophy is not so different to what Fenerbahce do or Ajax, it is to do things good enough.
"This year we conceded too many easy goals but we have scored goals, so it is small things that have to be better at to get the results we want.
"Overall it was a good performance and a good result."
Deila claims the fear of giving away a penalty with all its possible ramifications distracted Gordon when he came out of his goal, only for the ball to run through his legs to Markovic, on loan from Liverpool, to slide the ball in from a tight angle.
"It was a difficult situation," the Norwegian said. "I think Craig put his legs out a little bit, maybe because he was afraid to give away a penalty.
"It went through his legs but that can happen in a game. But he had a couple of good saves as well so you have to take that into consideration."
And the Celtic boss was happy with the contribution of substitutes James Forrest, Tom Rigic and Commons.
Deila said: "Kris did well and James Forrest as well came on a did some positive things, Tom Rogic as well. We had three good substitutes."
