Celtic ´needed to do more´ in Dinamo Zagreb draw, says Rodgers

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers tried to take the positives from their goalless draw away to Dinamo Zagreb in the Champions League on Tuesday, despite being disappointed that his side did not win.

The result took Celtic to nine points from six matches in the league phase, firmly in contention for a place in the play-off round but wondering if they might have been in an even better position.

“We needed to do more,” Rodgers said after seeing his side aim only one shot on target in Zagreb.

“It was an opportunity for us, but you have to show a little bit more in those moments.

“The positive is we didn’t concede, I thought we lacked quality in the final third. The pitch was a little bit tricky.

“We had great energy, good commitment. In the Champions League, if you get a clean sheet and take a point away from home and you’re not very happy, that shows how the team has progressed.”

While Celtic struggled to impose themselves from an attacking standpoint, they are now four unbeaten in the competition for the first time since 1986.

“It’s hard work. My teams will always be referenced for their attacking play, but we’re good when we press in the right moments and have that mentality to not want to concede,” said Rodgers.

“We had enough of the ball to create more opportunities, but to have that base collectively is very important.

“This group and team is gaining confidence at this level. The players gave everything.

“We needed to do more, but we know that. That’s cool. We know it was an opportunity for us, but you have to show that little bit more.”

Dinamo Zagreb 0-0 Celtic

Not a memorable game. pic.twitter.com/PvS85onhSB

— Opta Analyst (@OptaAnalyst) December 10, 2024

Celtic defender Auston Trusty echoed the comments of his manager, accepting that a point was not the worst result in the circumstances.

“We’ll take the point, but we came here for three,” Trusty told TNT Sports.

“It was a solid performance. We thought we could get more from the game.

“[Kasper Schmeichel is] class, he’s saved us a bunch of times. It’s great to have him behind me.

“We’re showing we deserve to be here and can play in this competition.”