ALISTAIR JOHNSTON admits Celtic’s six-goal thrashing in Madrid “made it too easy” for their opponents.
After the worst experience of his career at the champions, the Canadian World Cup right-back believes the Hoops players must examine themselves.
Despite the thrashing at the hands of a ruthless Atletico Madrid after Daizen Maeda was sent off in the 22nd minute, Johnson insists the Hoops still have a chance of remaining in Europe after the turn of the year.
Brendan Rodgers’ side has dropped 11 points out of a possible 12, with a home draw with the Spaniards their only consolation, and they face Lazio in Rome on Tuesday November 28 before wrapping up their Champions League Group E adventure against Feyenoord under the lights in Glasgow’s east end on December 13.
“It was the toughest defeat in my time at Celtic, for sure,” said Johnston, who struggled alongside his teammates in the Metropolitan Stadium.
“I’ve never had a game like that in my career, where they just do whatever they want to you. It was frustrating and difficult because it felt like you couldn’t get the ball, couldn’t get into their half, and it was just wave after wave. We were extremely disappointed with that. Even with 10 men, we should not have given up that much territory and chances.
“We need to look in the mirror, individually and collectively, and decide what we want to do – because that was unacceptable.”
“If you don’t get anything out of it, it was a wasted night.” “Whether you win or lose, you must learn something from every game in order to grow as a team. According to Johnston, “Atletico has World Cup winners in there, and they really punished us. You could all see the difference in level between ourselves and a team aiming to win the tournament, let alone get out of the group. We have to look at it and realise that there were levels, but there were also things, simple mistakes we made, that we can clean up.
“We know we have to be perfect – or close to perfect – to beat these teams.” Of course, lowering the number to ten puts you behind the eight ball.
“Unfortunately, it wasn’t the first time we’d done something like this in this campaign.” We made things difficult for ourselves. We played with nine men for 25 minutes against Feyenoord and looked more solid. In Madrid, we had a longer period, but we made it too easy.” We were too quiet. That was the most aggravating part. We could have demonstrated more with 10 men. Of course, you might not score three and turn it around, but we could have dug our heels in a bit more.” The visitors’ situation was hampered by
“It was a tough one for him. He played on the edge, but he needs it. He’s always pressing and running into tackles.
“That is what makes him so powerful. It is referred to differently in Europe, so that is something we will have to consider. But we need him to have that edge, so we can’t take it away from him. It was frustrating for him and for us, and it made for a difficult night against a team that I think will go far in this tournament. However, in this group, there is still something for us to play for.
“We put a lot of pressure on ourselves to get three points against Lazio, not just a result.” We give ourselves a chance if we can do that.
“We’re in a tough spot, but I don’t see it as scars.” This team has the leadership to put it behind us. But we must take something positive away from Rome. We’ve felt we were in the games in every single match we’ve had so far.” We were down to 10 and then nine points against Feyenoord, but we had moments in that game. We went toe-to-toe with Lazio at home, but he won in the end.” Atletico was a special night for everyone and a memory we must cherish.
“We’ve felt we were in the games in every single match we’ve had so far.” We were down to 10 and then nine points against Feyenoord, but we had moments in that game.
“We went toe-to-toe with Lazio at home, but he won in the end.” Atletico was a special night for everyone and a memory we must cherish. I believe that on our day, and if we play a flawless game, which we know we can do, we can compete with any of these teams. That’s the frustration of only scoring one point in four games. You must be cold and ruthless. That has been a challenge in both boxes.
