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Daily Record
Daily Record
Sport
Mark Pirie

Ange Postecoglou issues blunt Celtic Euro verdict as he gives title question short shrift

Defiant Ange Postecoglou insists Celtic have hit their levels in Europe this season - just not against Bodo/Glimt.

It was a disappointing night in Europe again for the Parkhead side as they crashed out of the Europa Conference League at the hands of the Norwegian champions.

Ola Solbakken and Hugo Vetlesen added to the 3-1 win at Celtic Park to comfortably see off the Premiership leaders.

Postecoglou ripped up the team sheet from the previous Bodo defeat with six changes but the overhaul made little difference to Celtic 's fortunes in the Arctic Circle.

It means the club have been knocked out of the Conference League, Europa League and Champions League playoff rounds this term.

Despite this, Postecoglou reckons that they have showed flashed of their best in Europe, but not against Bodo and in the 4-0 mauling from Bayer Leverkusen.

When asked about the difference in standard between European football and the league, Postecoglou sharply told BT Sport: "We have done it in Europe as well.

"Not tonight. These are probably our least effective performances in Europe, along with Bayer Leverkusen. Our levels weren't where they should have been through these two games and they (Bodo/Glimt) deservedly go through."

Bodo's Hugo Vetlesen (R) makes it 2-0 during a UEFA Conference League Play Off second leg clash with Celtic (SNS Group)

The Australian admitted he had hoped to enjoy a run in the Conference League, but wanted to take the lessons into next season.

He continued: "I expect to go further in every competition we play. That is the nature of this football club.

"Obviously this year Europe was a bit beyond us in terms of where we need to get to., in terms of progressing in the competition.

"It's my responsibility to make sure that we improve and perform better."

When asked if it made winning the league more achievable and allowed the players to focus on the league fight with Rangers, he added: "No it shouldn't.

"This football club demands you compete in multiple tournaments.

"It's not about going out of one tournament to make it easier. That's not where our focus is.

"The next challenge is Sunday and we need to make sure we perform better."

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