Brendan Rodgers: Celtic boss feeling ‘raw’ over ‘huge disappointment’ after UEFA Champions League shoot-out defeat to FC Kairat

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Celtic have failed to qualify for the main draw of the UEFA Champions League for the first time in four years, following a defeat in the play-off round to FC Kairat. The Kazakh champions advanced on penalties to book their place in Thursday's draw, while Brendan Rodgers' side will have to settle for a place in the UEFA Europa League. Rodgers' side progressed out of the league phase last season.

Highlights: Celtic crash out of UCL after shootout loss to Kairat

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Brendan Rodgers delivered an open and frank assessment of Celtic’s UEFA Champions League exit after a disappointing penalty shoot-out defeat to FC Kairat.

The two sides could not be separated after two goalless legs of football before the Kazakh champions triumphed 3-2 on spot-kicks.

Adam Idah, Luke McCowan and Daizen Maeda were all denied by Temirlan Anarbekov from the spot, leaving The Hoops facing the consolation prize of UEFA Europa League football.

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Reflecting on the match, Rodgers said in his post-match press conference: "It was a poor game. It's just a shame because last year we made some great strides.

"We had a hint of what we could do and this was a great opportunity for us to show what we could do and we won't be there [in the Champions League].

"The Champions League is a wonderful competition, but as we always do, we will have to stick together as a squad. It's a tough one to take, but we didn't do enough over the two legs."

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The result was in contrast to Celtic’s progress domestically after winning all of their opening three Scottish Premiership without conceding a goal, and Rodgers admitted his side could not translate that cutting edge to European football.

"What I have in this group of players is I can't fault them. From the first day back they've been brilliant.

"Domestically, we've started well, but at this level, even with teams that don't quite have the quality, you still need that little bit of extra finesse and precision.

"We obviously missed a big chance at home and tonight wasn't a great game of football."

The Northern Irishman paid tribute to the club’s fans after making the 7,000-mile round-trip to Kazakhstan.

"We have to accept it. Congratulations to Kairat. It's a fantastic result for them, but we missed a huge opportunity.

"I just want to show the appreciation [to the fans]. You can't underestimate the travel, finance, the love of the club to be here. We wanted to go through on the pitch to say thank you, but it was always still in the balance. It's a huge disappointment.

"I always think that investment is great, but investment in whatever you're doing has to be at the right time. At this moment in time, it's a little bit raw."

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