Rodgers’ preferred passing style let Celtic down at most vital time against Valencia

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Celtic face a mountain to claim to get into the last 16 of this season’s Europa League after a 2-0 home defeat against Valencia last night.

After something of a European rollercoaster this season, the Bhoys went into the match with the La Liga outfit full of anticipation and high on confidence after an imperious start to 2019.

But much like Manchester United against Paris Saint-Germain earlier on in the week, Celtic’s confidence melted away to show a lack of quality in possession as a higher quality side picked them off.

The passing play that Brendan Rodgers demands from his side was missing as his technical midfield players played it a bit safe, unable or lacking the confidence to really probe their opponents.

And it was the worst possible time for Celtic’s passing play to desert them; on a night where bravery and quality were needed, Celtic showed neither and as a consequence, have nothing to take to Valencia to defend.

With their notoriously poor European away record – where the bravery generally shown at Parkhead tends to subside, replaced by a deep defensive block – Celtic really needed to be taking something to Spain to protect.

It will be a learning curve – and Celtic’s European lessons will be what helps them to progress – but Rodgers clearly still has some work to do before his players can carry out his demands in more refined company.