Celtic’s defensive vulnerabilities came to the forefront once again as they conceded a late goal to draw 1-1 against Kilmarnock, leaving manager Brendan Rodgers frustrated with his team’s inability to see out games from winning positions.
The dropped points now narrow the gap between Celtic and Rangers to just one point, with the Gers having a game in hand to be played tomorrow.
On shipping another goal to concede points from a winning position the Irishman lambasted his team.
Rodgers said (BBC Sport): “It’s not a one-off. It’s happened too many times and that’s been when you look at the metrics in analysis perspective, the defensive side is the one area there’s been a drop.
“We’ve been missing key players in those positions. But that aside, we have to be harder to beat at times. We have to be more aggressive and if you’re having to see out a game you’ve got to be able to do that.
“It’s just happened too many times. There needs to be a greater hunger to stop a goal going in!”
Rodgers’ post-match comments highlight the urgency for defensive improvement within the squad.
His candid assessment highlights a recurring pattern of conceding goals from winning positions, signalling the need for a greater defensive resolve and mental fortitude among his players.
Despite acknowledging the absence of key personnel, Rodgers emphasises the need for Celtic to be harder to beat and show greater aggression in crucial defensive moments in loosing the ball.
