Reflecting on the dominant performance by Celtic in Glasgow, Barry Robson took stock of his Raith Rovers’ 5-0 defeat and the impressive display by Daizen Maeda, who secured a hat-trick, along with goals from Luke McCowan and Yang Hyun-jun that sealed Celtic’s place in the quarter-finals of the Scottish Cup. As Raith Rovers gear up for their upcoming league fixture against Partick Thistle, Robson is aware of the nine-point gap separating his team from a playoff position and the importance of securing a crucial victory to keep their hopes alive.
Robson acknowledged the setback of conceding an early goal and how it disrupted his team’s rhythm, but he commended their resilience and determination to stay competitive against a formidable opponent like Celtic. Despite the lopsided scoreline, Robson found pride in his team’s performance and highlighted the role of the fans in providing unwavering support throughout the match. He recognized the immense challenge posed by facing Celtic at their home ground and stressed the importance of maintaining a structured approach rather than recklessly chasing the game against a potent attacking side.
Looking forward, Robson identified areas for improvement, particularly in terms of ball retention and decision-making under pressure, as he acknowledged the difficulty of playing against a team with the attacking prowess of Celtic. While disappointed with the outcome, Robson remained optimistic about his team’s abilities and their potential to perform better in future matches. Despite the loss, he believed that Raith Rovers showcased their resilience and determination against a top-tier opponent and deserved more from the game. Overall, Robson emphasized the valuable lessons learned from the match and the need for continued improvement as they strive to compete at a higher level.
