SHELL-SHOCKED Anderlecht caretaker boss Nicolas Frutos has hit out at critics of his defensive approach in last night’s 3-0 loss against Celtic at the Constant Vanden Stock Stadium.
The Belgian champions started with five defenders against the Hoops and surrendered the vast majority of possession to Brendan Rodgers’ side.
The Argentinian coach said: “It’s not a good thing to take such a defeat especially at home in a crucial match.
“We were well positioned at the start of the match and we knew that Celtic had a lot of ball possession. Uros Spajic’s injury affected us on an organisational level to go behind, because on the first goal he could not follow his man.
“Afterwards, we offer them a gift and we have not been able to take our chances. ”
Frutos’ chances of landing the job on a permanent basis have been severely dented by the defeat and a decision is expected today.
But he insisted the constant speculation over the managerial position had an adverse effect on the team.
He added: “I understand that it can destabilise my players. I’ve been in their place, when it’s not clear, but we have to get on with it.”
The CQN Podcast: A Celtic State of Mind (EP14) Champions League Special
A Celtic State of Mind offers an insight into the culture of Celtic Football Club, the city of Glasgow, and fans of the reigning invincible Scottish champions.
Each episode includes interviews with ‘Celtic-minded’ figures from the world of sport, music, film, art, broadcasting, literature or politics.
Ahead of the crucial Champions League match against Anderlecht, ‘A Celtic State of Mind’ goes behind the Champions League curtain for Celtic’s opening match against PSG.
Kevin Graham provides pre and post-match discussion with members of his CSC, as well as in-match analysis in what will be a regular Celtic State of Mind feature.
Enjoy!
