BRENDAN RODGERS accepted the responsibility for Celtic’s x-certificate display in the 3-1 downfall against Hearts at Tynecastle this afternoon.
An error-strewn show from the champions saw them fall EIGHT points behind the Edinburgh side after only nine games of the campaign.
A shocking own goal from Dane Murray and then a wayward challenge from the young defender to present the hosts a penalty-kick that gifted Lawrence Shankland the opportunity to roll in No.3 contributed heavily to a damaging defeat for the visitors.
ENDGAME…Callum McGregor and Brendan Rodgers at the final whistle.
The unacceptable performance and result came just a week after the equally-awful 2-0 loss to Dundee at Dens Park as the Parkhead side have thrown away six points in bewilderingly lackadaisical fashion.
Skipper Callum McGregor did his best to rally his ailing team-mates and scored an equaliser, but the Hoops failed to capitalise on a period of domination and Benjamin Nygren blew the opportunity of putting the team ahead before the interval.
It all unravelled after the turnaround and Rodgers admitted: “I’ve always taken responsibility. There’s never been a time that I haven’t.
“When you’re the manager at Celtic, you’re responsible for the results, despite whatever else happens.
“So, that responsibility is on me.”
Responding to the fact that Celtic have now lost back-to-back Premiership losses for the first time since December 2023, the manager said defiantly: “My determination is pretty much there.
“I’ve never worked harder in all my time here. So, the motivation is there to try and flip the levels that we’re at.
DEJECTION…Brendan Rodgers tries to explain another dismal loss.
“It’s absolutely fine. It’s still so early. I think that’s the key point in it all. Hearts have made a fantastic start, got the points on the board, but there’s so much football to play.
“We’ve just got to hang in there at this moment, find those performances, find the results and hopefully our levels will improve as the season goes on.
“I think the context of today is obviously disappointing in the game and the result. But there are 29 games left.
“And if Hearts are at their best today, then, of course, if we can find a consistent level of performance, then there’s absolutely no doubt we can make up the points difference.
“Hearts have made a really good start in terms of points. Our issues have been well documented.
“But we’re working very, very hard with limited time to work on the field to find the solutions.
“Sometimes we’re having to do it in the game, playing players. But we’ll continue to work to do that.”
Youngster Murray, standing in for the crocked Cameron Carter-Vickers, had a howler, but Rodgers refused to hang the 22-year-old out to dry.
PAIN GAME…Callum McGregor holds his head in his hands at the final whistle with Arne Engels and Colby Donovan for company.
The gaffer, speaking to the Daily Record, continued: “I think it’s all about learning when you’re a young player. Dane’s been in and around it now for a little while.
“He’s played in some games for us and come into games. So, yes, if you want to play for Celtic, these are the challenges that you want to come and perform in.
“But, yes, listen, he’s a good kid. He trains really, really well. We were looking for him to give us the balance. He won some great headers, some really good moments.
“It was just unfortunate how he started the game. But he kept going, showed his mentality and, yes, he’ll learn from the mistakes.”
Rodgers confirmed Daizen Maeda will return to training, but wouldn’t be drawn on the Japanese striker’s chances of returning for Wednesday’s visit of Falkirk.
He added: “Daizen will join training tomorrow. Alistair Johnston and Kelechi Iheanacho are probably not as serious as we first thought, but I’m not sure that they’ll make Wednesday.”
