Brendan Rodgers points to basic mistakes after Celtic's Europa League first-leg loss to Valencia
"It's basic mistakes and concentration"
Thursday 14 February 2019 23:04, UK
Brendan Rodgers admits Celtic made "basic mistakes" in their 2-0 Europa League last-32 first-leg defeat to Valencia on Thursday night.
Away goals from Denis Cheryshev and debutant Ruben Sobrino either side of half-time has handed the La Liga side a significant advantage heading into the second leg at the Mestalla on February 21.
Rodgers agrees that his side were not sharp enough on their home turf as they bid to progress through the last-32 stage of the Europa League in their sixth appearance in the competition, and admits Celtic made fundamental errors.
"The first 15 minutes we started well," he said.
"Good control and pressed the game well. Valencia are a team who wait on your mistakes. They were very organised and compact. We made too many mistakes and they capitalised on that.
"You really need to concentrate, certainly at this level, against good players. It ended up being a disappointing night for us."
Rodgers feels his side can bounce back at the Mestalla and that an opening goal for Celtic in Spain could swing the momentum in their favour.
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He added: "You have to have belief at this level. We have good players and might have one or two back next week. If we get the first goal then it could set us up for a really good second leg.
"It's basic mistakes and concentration. When you're working at this level, you have to take care and do the basics really well. It's something we'll have to go away, look at and learn from it.
"We'll dust ourselves off. We have an important game in the league at the weekend and the players will be ready."
