RODGERS ALREADY PLANNING FOR NEXT SEASON!

“Manchester City want to press you and get close to you, but I thought our possession and control and positioning of the ball was very good and led to us getting a great opening goal, which we thoroughly deserved.

“I was disappointed with the equaliser. We got stretched, which they can do, but for the remainder of the game, how we pressed and we forced them to play a lot of long balls, winning the ball back and building our game up was great.

“We showed great composure when we had to build it so the energy and quality was at high level, so I’m disappointed we didn’t win as we had chances in the game.

“I don’t think Craig Gordon had too much to do. but, overall, I’m delighted with our passing, speed and movement and how the players tactically concentrated was very good.”

Rodgers, who is now preparing his team for the Premiership game with Partick Thistle at Firhill on Friday, added: “With the campaign overall – I’m absolutely delighted.

“First of all, the objective was to qualify and after that first game we knew the level we were at.

“I always said it was a team ready to learn, develop and progress and, apart from the first game against Barcelona, our performance levels have been good.

“We competed against two of the super powers of European football and haven’t been beaten by Manchester City and arguably could have won both games.

“I’m absolutely proud of the team and it now sets the standard for us to continue with this development.

“Now we look to go on and win the league and be ready to go in to the qualifiers next season again.”