In a passionate post-match statement, Dinamo Zagreb manager Nenad Bjelica fiercely defended his team’s performance in their Champions League deadlock against Celtic, insisting that only his players deserved to come out on top. Despite Brendan Rodgers’ side dominating possession with a staggering 68 percent, Bjelica dismissed the stats and praised his players for executing his game plan flawlessly.
Pointing out key opportunities created by his team, including chances from Pjaca and Baturina, Bjelica highlighted the defensive prowess of Rog and Kacavenda in shutting down Celtic’s attacks. With the Croatian champions facing tough upcoming matches against Arsenal and Milan, Bjelica remained confident in his squad’s abilities.
On the other hand, Rodgers expressed disappointment at missing out on a potential away victory, admitting that Celtic could have done more to secure a win. While acknowledging the defensive strength of his team, Rodgers emphasized the need for greater efficiency in the final third to capitalize on scoring opportunities.
Despite the stalemate, both managers recognized the progress and resilience of their respective teams in the challenging Champions League environment. Bjelica’s defiant stance and Rodgers’ honest assessment painted a picture of two teams fiercely competing for a spot in the knockout stages.