Kairat Almaty manager Rafael Urakhtin didn’t hold back when criticising his players after their shock league defeat.
Almaty were beaten by Yelimay Semey despite leading the way in the Kazakhstan Premier League after surrendering a two-goal lead to lose 3-2.
It was less than ideal preparation for their mammoth journey to Glasgow, especially after Celtic beat Falkirk 4-1 before the Champions League qualifier.
There was no room for sympathy from Urakhtin, who called out his players for their lacklustre display.
Kairat Almaty manager says they conceded ‘childish goals’
Reacting to his side’s defeat, which leaves them three points clear at the top of the table, the Kairat boss accused his players of conceding sloppy goals.
He said: “It was a disappointing defeat for us. We were a long way from our best defensively and we conceded childish goals.
“If you are fighting for the league title, you cannot concede goals like this.
“We knew they would be difficult to break down, but we managed to do it….and then we conceded stupid goals.
“When my players perform well, I praise them, but when we make such basic mistakes like we did, then I have to point it out.”
Celtic have to be favourites against Kairat Almaty
After discovering that they will face a mammoth trip to Kazakhstan, there is still a belief that Celtic should be reaching the Champions League main phase.
Fans travelling to Almaty face a gruelling journey but those who do go will hope that the tie is effectively over in the first leg.
Brendan Rodgers will have a near-full strength squad to pick from and with the Celtic Park crowd there to back the Bhoys, it’s hard to imagine them being anything other than favourites.
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