Celtic winger Jota has reflected on what the Hoops have been missing in their opening two UEFA Champions League group stage games.
In September, the Bhoys marked their return to the world’s biggest club competition, facing off against Group F opponents Real Madrid and Shakhtar Donetsk.
Despite two positive performances, Celtic have kicked off the group stage by picking up one point from their opening fixtures.
On matchday one, Ange Postecoglou’s side took the game to European champions Real Madrid. But, it ultimately wasn’t to be, with the Spanish giants running out 3-0 winners.
After a strong display at Celtic Park, the Hoops came into Wednesday night’s game against Shakhtar in Poland with a positive mindset as they looked to secure all three points.
Unfortunately, we were held to a 1-1 draw after Reo Hatate’s first-half finish was soon cancelled out by highly rated Ukrainian youngster Mykhailo Mudryk.
Speaking directly after Celtic had been held to a draw, the man of the match on the evening Jota, spoke to the media and gave an honest reflection on what the Parkhead side have been missing in the opening two games of the Champions League.
When asked if he was happy with the result, Jota responded [UEFA]: “Of course not. As a Celtic player, we always aim for the victory, and today we really wanted to get the victory.
“We were unlucky we didn’t get it, but we’ll keep on working, and there are plenty of matches to play.
The Celtic winger was then asked what the side might have been missing to come away with all three points, and he said: “I think we keep on having some good chances, but we don’t finish them, and at Champions League level, if you don’t take them you’ll suffer for sure.
“But we’ll learn from this, and there is a belief in this group that we can go to higher places.”
“In football, we know this can change in a minute. So, we just have to believe in ourselves and keep on, and that’s what we are going to do.”
Celtic squad know what needs to improve going into next four group games.
Whilst picking up a point away from home in Europe is hardly a poor result, there is still some frustration that we have only come away with one point from our opening fixtures.
At periods during both games, Celtic have been on top and had the chances to take a merited lead. But unfortunately, haven’t been able to convert those opportunities.
Jota is well aware that this is something that Ange Postecoglou’s side will need to improve on going into the next four group stage fixtures, and I am sure the rest of his teammates will be too.
If we want to achieve success in Group F, our next three fixtures in the Champions League will be crucial, with a double-header against RB Leipzig and a home match versus Shakhtar to come.
However, I am confident that Ange and the players will be determined to show their improvements and bounce back with a bang when they face RB Leipzig in October.
In other news, Shakhtar boss Igor Jovicevic delivers ‘incredible’ Celtic assessment.
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