• Kyogo Furuhashi was visually frustrated by his missed chance to put hosts ahead
  • Boss Rodgers has apologised for ‘lack of desire and passion’ to win the match 
  • Mauricio Pochettino looks bewildered! Serial winners are the SIXTH best team in London – It’s All Kicking Off

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has apologised to fans following their 2-0 defeat at home against Hearts. 

The loss marked the first time in a decade that Celtic have experienced back-to-back league defeats. 

Former Leicester boss Rodgers attributed the poor performance to a ‘lack of desire and passion’ among his players and has apologised to the Bhoys’ support base.

Hearts secured their first league victory at Celtic Park since 2007 with first-half goals from Lawrence Shankland and Stephen Kingsley.

The defeat has also allowed Celtic’s title rivals, Rangers, the opportunity to move ahead in the table if they win their two games in hand.

Celtic looked dejected at full time after coming off the back of two league defeats

Celtic looked dejected at full time after coming off the back of two league defeats 

Furuhashi looked understandably frustrated after missing their biggest chance in the game

Furuhashi looked understandably frustrated after missing their biggest chance in the game

Celtic were also knocked out of the Champions League after failing to qualify for round of 16

Celtic were also knocked out of the Champions League after failing to qualify for round of 16

Hearts sit in third in the SPFL table, with Celtic in first, but rivals Rangers have two games in hand which could see them take a huge step in the title race

Hearts sit in third in the SPFL table, with Celtic in first, but rivals Rangers have two games in hand which could see them take a huge step in the title race 

Boss Rodgers highlighted the subpar display that led to the end of the club's 52-game unbeaten league home run after 2-0 loss to Hearts at home on Saturday

Boss Rodgers highlighted the subpar display that led to the end of the club’s 52-game unbeaten league home run after 2-0 loss to Hearts at home on Saturday 

Acknowledging the disappointment of the fans, Rodgers expressed regret, stating: ‘I want to apologise to the support base – I don’t think I have ever had to do that with regard to performance, but today they deserve it.’ 

Rodgers admitted, ‘The result is on me,’ while stressing the necessity of consistency and mental strength, especially when playing in front of a full house with the expectation to win every game.

‘It’s mid-December and you get, 60,000-odd fans here and the lack of desire and passion was just really really poor. 

‘It wasn’t the whole team, Callum McGregor was brilliant, trying to drive the team on, and one or two others. 

He highlighted the subpar display that led to the end of the club’s 52-game unbeaten league home run.

Despite individual efforts, including Callum McGregor’s standout performance, Rodgers emphasised the need for consistent mentality and a winning mindset. 

Lawrence Shankland of Hearts celebrates at full time after scoring to help secure three points

Lawrence Shankland of Hearts celebrates at full time after scoring to help secure three points

'It wasn't the whole team, Callum McGregor was brilliant, trying to drive the team on, and one or two others.' Brendan Rodgers praised McGregor but said the other players 'lacked passion'

‘It wasn’t the whole team, Callum McGregor was brilliant, trying to drive the team on, and one or two others.’ Brendan Rodgers praised McGregor but said the other players ‘lacked passion’

IT’S ALL KICKING OFF! 

It’s All Kicking Off is an exciting new podcast from Mail Sport that promises a different take on Premier League football.

It is available on MailOnline, Mail+, YouTube, Apple Music and Spotify.

He took responsibility for the team’s drop-off from their midweek Champions League win over Feyenoord, reiterating the need for high standards and meeting the fans’ expectations.

Celtic enjoyed a 2-1 win over Feyenoord in the week, with goals from Luis Palma and Gustaf Lagerbielke – the latter who secured a late winner in stoppage time.

Despite the win, the three points were not enough to prevent their European exit, as the finished the group stage with just four points.  

[ad_2]
Post source: Daily mail

You May Also Like

Uli Hoeness Claims Liverpool and Real Madrid Want Xabi Alonso

Uli Hoeness, the honorary president of Bayern Munich, has made significant claims…

Manuel Akanji withdraws from Switzerland squad due to injury, returning to Man City

Manuel Akanji, a Swiss international and a key player for Manchester City,…

Real Madrid’s Eduardo Camavinga’s injury not serious; staff expects quick recovery for Athletic match this weekend

Eduardo Camavinga, a key midfielder for Real Madrid, recently faced an injury…

Fans Demand Nike Recall of England’s Euro 2024 Kit for St George’s Cross Color Change

The controversy surrounding England’s Euro 2024 kit, designed by Nike, has sparked…