SETBACKS AND COMEBACKS: RODGERS’ VERDICT

BRENDAN RODGERS reflected in the 7-1 Champions League x-certicate display in Dortmund and admitted “setbacks are part of the journey”.

The Celtic manager had his final say on a night of massive disappointment at the Westfalenstadion before turning his full focus to the Premiership encounter against Ross County at midday tomorrow at the more sedate setting of Dingwall.

The midweek setback was the team’s first defeat in 10 games in an impressive early-season surge, but the Hoops gaffer insists his players will recover to get back on track in their pursuit of a fourth successive title and their thirteenth crown in 14 years.

Rodgers admitted: “Clearly, there was obviously disappointment in the aftermath and it’s always emotionally challenging and difficult.

“You can’t dwell on it. Obviously, you’ve got to look at it and analyse it, but very quickly you have to move on and that’s the nature of professional sports.

So, you have that day to grieve, which is never nice, but I always think that setbacks like that are always a great opportunity to grow and bounce back even to a higher level than what you were when you started the game.”

Rodgers, speaking to Celtic TV, continued: “Of course, I’m really disappointed. Firstly, for the supporters. Two hours before the game, the noise in the stadium was amazing.

And then during the game and after the game, you feel the journey that they’ve been there, and we couldn’t give them more.

“I feel for the players, too, because over this last seven months, the path that we’ve been on, and we will still continue to be on that path of improvement and development, and an exciting team to play.

“Things went against us in the game, and before we know it, we’ve conceded five goals in the first half, so it becomes a challenge in the second-half.

”We go into every game with a positive expectation to do well. Whether that was at home or Bratislava or away at Borussia Dortmund. And, like I said, when the stakes are high and the competition is fierce, sometimes you might not always go your way.

“I’ve worked in big games and won big games. That’s why I have that confidence that when you do lose a game of that magnitude, it is hard and it is tough. It’s really tough for a player, especially some of the first experiences.