Callum McGregor has offered his thoughts on Celtic’s goalless stalemate away to Dinamo Zagreb on Champions League matchday six.
The Bhoys were the dominant force in possession, but couldn’t make their pressure count against a home side content to frustrate and break in numbers.
However, another Champions League result for Celtic in Zagreb has ensured they will stay inside the top 24 of the league phase regardless of results in this evening’s fixtures.
Despite the sentiment that the Hoops wasted an opportunity in Zagreb, there is plenty for Brendan Rodgers to be pleased about after his side extended their unbeaten run to four matches in the competition.
With their Champions League prospects still firmly within control, Callum McGregor has opened up on why his side couldn’t break the deadlock despite showing themselves in possession.
Callum McGregor on Celtic’s final third frustration vs Zagreb
Although the defensive aspect of last night’s performance was near impeccable from Celtic, McGregor admitted Zagreb’s rigidity made the contest one that needed a moment of ‘magic’ to open the scoring, which unfortunately didn’t come.
He explained via TNT Sports: “Yeah, I think probably the way the game panned out in terms of the control in possession and everything else. I think if we’re honest, we probably didn’t do enough to win the game; when you come away and you’re comfortable it kind of feels like a missed opportunity.
“I think if we’re really honest, we probably didn’t do enough to deserve to win the game, so we know there’s a bit of work to be done there. Overall, another point, it keeps us moving in the right direction, with two games to go the objective is there for us.”
On the lack of chances created, he continued: “I think also at this level, the teams you’re playing against are good teams and they defend well and they’re all physical boys that can run and defend.
“Even though you’ve got a lot of the ball, the game was set up for little duels, little actions where it’s maybe a bit of magic that can win the game. Obviously, in a difficult night, pitch a little bit bobbly as well, then that can happen, but I think the good thing is at this level now, (were) dominating the games.”
Callum McGregor optimistic on Champions League progression
Continuing later down the line, McGregor stated: “We’re a team that teams want to respect and give us space and time on the ball and try and meet us a little bit deeper on the pitch, so that shows that we’re growing as well and like I say, just the last wee bit it, can we find that quality in the little duel action to finish the game.
Finally, on achieving nine points so far, the captain said: “The objective is there, we’ve done really well up to this point. We’ve only lost one game in six, so it shows that we’re getting better all the time. The two game shoot-out at the end is where we want to be and hopefully we can do what we set out to do.”
The incentive to qualify is there for Celtic, with a victory over Young Boys enough to settle a place in the knockout phase.
Of course, circumstances may dictate that a draw could also be enough, but winning is the benchmark at a club that prioritises constant success.
For now, sit back and enjoy the festive period before the Bhoys bid to finish the job in front of their own supporters.
Receive a digest of our best Celtic content each week direct to your mailbox
