MX23RW : Tuesday, February 19 13:07:39
Feb 17, 2019 at 4pm UK at ​Rugby Park (Kilmarnock)
Attendance: 11,916
Kilmarnock
0-1
Celtic

Broadfoot (75')
FT(HT: 0-0)
Brown (90')
Brown (91')

Celtic seek domestic balm to ease sting of latest European wound

Celtic seek domestic balm to ease sting of latest European wound
© Reuters
The Hoops had won seven straight games in league and Scottish FA Cup without conceding a goal prior to a chastening Europa League defeat by Valencia.

Brendan Rodgers is looking for Celtic to return to domestic dominance at Kilmarnock after being handed a harsh European lesson by Valencia.

The Hoops' 2-0 defeat by the Spanish side in the first-leg of the Europa League last-32 tie on Thursday has left them with a monumental task in the return game in the Mestalla stadium next week.

It was the Scottish champions' first defeat of 2019 after seven straight wins, and their first goals conceded this year, with the Northern Irishman blaming the defeat on basic mistakes and a higher level of opposition.

Rodgers now wants his players to at least maintain their six-point gap over Old Firm rivals Rangers at the top of the Ladbrokes Premiership when they travel to Rugby Park on Sunday afternoon.

The former Liverpool boss said: "Kilmarnock is always a tough game for us.

"We have to recover from Thursday, which we will do, and then expect a tough game.

"The players will be ready. The energy we have had after the break has been good. The team has been playing quickly, creating opportunities and taking the chances.

"Unbeaten, defensively strong,  we haven't made many mistakes, and as a team, we have pressed the game very well. So we will need to be that at Kilmarnock.

"They will have had a full week to prepare and they will bring that energy into the game, so we need to be able to match that and then to make no mistakes."


Click here for more stories about Brendan Rodgers

Click here for more stories about Celtic

Share this article now:
A general shot of a Premier League football ahead of the Premier League clash between Everton and West Ham United at Goodison Park on October 30, 2016
Read Next:
PFA Scotland sparks debate about future of artificial pitches
>

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Select and display your favourite team's news and scores in this panel

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Select and display your favourite team's news and scores in this panel
Tables
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Manchester CityMan City27212474205465
2Liverpool26205159154465
3Tottenham HotspurSpurs26200654252960
4Manchester UnitedMan Utd26156552351751
5Arsenal26155653371650
6Chelsea26155645291650
7Wolverhampton WanderersWolves2611693433139
8Watford2610793434037
9Everton2796123639-333
10West Ham UnitedWest Ham2696113239-733
11Bournemouth26103133747-1033
12Leicester CityLeicester2695123134-332
13Crystal Palace2676132734-727
14Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton2676132839-1127
15Burnley2676132947-1827
16Newcastle UnitedNewcastle2667132234-1225
17Cardiff CityCardiff2674152447-2325
18Southampton2659122844-1624
19Fulham2645172558-3317
20Huddersfield TownHuddersfield2625191448-3411

Subscribe to our Newsletter


Transfer Talk Daily
Match previews - twice weekly
Morning Briefing (7am UTC)
Ultra close-up image of Kevin De Bruyne [NOT FOR USE IN ARTICLES]Get the latest transfer news, match previews and news direct to your inbox!

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

Select and display your favourite team's news and scores in this panel
Login, I already have my ad-free pass
Log in to customise Sports Mole
Buy ad-free access (show me the options)
Buy monthly ad-free access for £1.20/month
Buy yearly ad-free access for £12 (2 months free)
Settings - Logout - Manage your account
Settings - Logout - Manage your account