Everything that Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers said in his press conference after his side lost 1-0 to Kilmarnock in the League Cup at Rugby Park...
What were your thoughts on the game?
I'm disappointed to go out of the cup Kilmarnock showed their resilience and took their chance when it came. We are very disappointed and it was certainly nowhere near the level that we need to be at to win the game. We were a bit more progressive when Kilmarnock got the goal and we started to be a threat. I thought Yang coming into the game looked very well and he gave us that ability to take people on in a one versus one but other than that we lacked quality in the game and it was just so disappointing.
You say you weren't near your level can you put your finger on why?
We were just not at the level yet in terms of performance. It is a tough place to come, of course, but we need to show more and we need to have a greater physicality in the game and then when you have won that battle you need to play with more quality and we didn't play with that.
The first time around you weren't used to these defeats and how do you put this into context? Is this a setback for you in the bigger picture of things?
I think when I came in here before and won trebles people think that's just what you come in and do. It is a very difficult thing to do and you see this defeat that magnifies the achievement from before. It is a new cycle and I want to win every game as the Celtic manager and this is bitterly disappointing. Of course, it is always a setback when you go out of a cup competition but we have 24 hours to get over it and there is a long season ahead and many things to play for so that is what we will work on.
Is this the point when you can use it to reinforce the message to the new arrivals who are not long in the door about the level that is expected at the football club? Can you use this as a catalyst for the rest of the campaign?
READ MORE: Celtic instant analysis: McGregor struggles as holders are out
I said at the beginning when I came in here that this was not a continuation. Good teams aren't born. There are new players in, players have left. So we have to work very hard and if we think that it is just going to happen then that will not be the case at Celtic. You have to settle in very quickly. The new players will have seen that, the young players coming into the club with a huge expectation but they will get better and improve. On days like today even though it is a sore one you have got to take your medicine and stay together and move on to the next game.
What did you think of the two centre-halves?
It’s an important area of the team. They had never played together before. That’s something that’s been really steady here for a couple of seasons. Gustaf did well, he is strong and aggressive for a young player. He wants to defend forward. He will get better and, as I say, the more the players can play together the more relationships they will build and the better they will be for it. I thought Yang was excellent when he came into the game. When I look at the team it’s that match-winning ability that we maybe need to have more of within the squad. I thought Odin showed flashes and really good moments but he is 20 years of age and he is going to get better and days like today will help him do that.
Do you need to get more experienced players in before the window closes?
We want good players, whatever age they are. We need quality, that’s for sure. Hopefully, between now and the end of the window we can improve the squad. Clearly, the model of the club is to bring the players in at a younger age and develop them and improve them but we are not against bringing in someone at 26 or 27 if they can improve the squad.
Was Yang close to starting today?
Yes, he has been settling in really well. I thought he was excellent when he came on against Aberdeen. Today I thought he was really creative when he came into the game. He brought brightness to us in that attacking third. When there are no midweek games, most of the team that won last week deserved to play. Obviously, we had a few injuries but he certainly came into the game and showed up very well.
What was your take on Sead Haksabanovic's penalty shout? Did you get a good view of it?
No. I haven't seen it so I have no idea if it was close or not.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here