Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou has insisted that the difference between the two sides in last night’s 3-1 defeat to Bodo/Glimt was his team’s lack of clinical edge.
The Hoops fell 2-0 behind in the second half before pulling a goal back shortly after. However, the Norwegian champions struck once again to extend their two-goal lead ahead of the second-leg trip to Scandinavia next Thursday.
Speaking in the aftermath of the defeat, Postecoglou believes that lack of composure and clinical edge was the downfall of his side on the night but insists that it is still only half-time in the tie.
“It wasn’t the outcome we wanted,” he said, as quoted by the Daily Record.
“From our perspective, it’s a game where they were very clinical in the front third, and we weren’t. That was the difference.
“We weren’t clinical, and they were. They had two chances, one deflection, and they scored.
“We lacked composure in the front third. Obviously, goals change the perspective for everyone. They were able to get their goals, and we didn’t.
“I thought we were in control in the second half; then they got their goal on the counter. I always know that’s a possibility.
“They got a deflection, and things didn’t work, but in the overall context, they were more clinical than us in important areas.
“We just lacked a cutting edge in the front third, and that cost us. Goals change the context of games, and it did in this game.”
He continued, “It’s only half-time, so there’s another game to go, and we’ll go and play our football and see what we do.
“We’ve just got to go there and play our football again. We’ve scored goals away in tough places, so it’s a good challenge for us.”
It was a disappointing evening for Postecoglou and his players, along with the supporters, in the hope that this Celtic side could make a dent in the Europa Conference League against an impressive side.
However, it wasn’t to be on the night, with the Norwegian side showing why they are so highly rated by many across Europe.
As Ange mentions, there is still another 90 minutes to be played in the tie, and hopefully, the squad can learn a lot from Thursday night.
First off, the focus remains on Sunday’s league fixture against Dundee, as the Hoops look to get back to winning ways and keep up their form domestically at the top of the league.
