The Hoops boss was unhappy with the Japanese playmaker’s performance in the second-half against Rangers
Brendan Rodgers celebrated his 150th win as Celtic manager yesterday, holding the Premiership trophy in one hand.
Despite ruining Rangers’ title hopes for another year, the Northern Irishman was quite pleased with his own team’s performance. Matt O’Riley’s goal and a John Lundstram OG nearly secured the champions’ third consecutive title as Philippe Clement’s chasers were routed at Parkhead.
However, after leading 2-0, Rodgers believes his team suffered a lack in concentration when Cyriel Dessers equalised before halftime. Lundstram was also sent for an early bath right before the interval for a violent lunge on Alistair Johnston, leaving the visitors with a difficult task. O’Riley missed the chance to end the game bed from the penalty spot soon after the interval and Rodgers detected his side taking the foot off the gas – setting up a nervy ending.
Reo Hatate was subbed off for Tomoki Iwata on the 80th minute and Rodgers had some blunt words for the Japanese playmaker, who was sloppy in possession.
He stated: “I was very thrilled until we missed the penalty. Our intensity, speed, and tempo, as well as the quality of our football, were excellent. We had a few scoring chances before Matty’s amazing goal.
“At 2-0, we turned off and lost attention. That gave them an advantage in the game. We started brightly in the second half but failed to convert a penalty. And it’s something I’ve mentioned to the guys as we advance. I dislike it when we play 11 v 10, as we have done several times this season. We are not excellent at it.
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