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Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has apologised to fans following their 2-0 defeat at home against Hearts.
The loss marked the first time in a decade that Celtic have experienced back-to-back league defeats.
Former Leicester boss Rodgers attributed the poor performance to a ‘lack of desire and passion’ among his players and has apologised to the Bhoys’ support base.
Hearts secured their first league victory at Celtic Park since 2007 with first-half goals from Lawrence Shankland and Stephen Kingsley.
The defeat has also allowed Celtic’s title rivals, Rangers, the opportunity to move ahead in the table if they win their two games in hand.
Celtic looked dejected at full time after coming off the back of two league defeats
Furuhashi looked understandably frustrated after missing their biggest chance in the game
Celtic were also knocked out of the Champions League after failing to qualify for round of 16
Hearts sit in third in the SPFL table, with Celtic in first, but rivals Rangers have two games in hand which could see them take a huge step in the title race
Boss Rodgers highlighted the subpar display that led to the end of the club’s 52-game unbeaten league home run after 2-0 loss to Hearts at home on Saturday
Acknowledging the disappointment of the fans, Rodgers expressed regret, stating: ‘I want to apologise to the support base – I don’t think I have ever had to do that with regard to performance, but today they deserve it.’
Rodgers admitted, ‘The result is on me,’ while stressing the necessity of consistency and mental strength, especially when playing in front of a full house with the expectation to win every game.
‘It’s mid-December and you get, 60,000-odd fans here and the lack of desire and passion was just really really poor.
‘It wasn’t the whole team, Callum McGregor was brilliant, trying to drive the team on, and one or two others.
He highlighted the subpar display that led to the end of the club’s 52-game unbeaten league home run.
Despite individual efforts, including Callum McGregor’s standout performance, Rodgers emphasised the need for consistent mentality and a winning mindset.
Lawrence Shankland of Hearts celebrates at full time after scoring to help secure three points
‘It wasn’t the whole team, Callum McGregor was brilliant, trying to drive the team on, and one or two others.’ Brendan Rodgers praised McGregor but said the other players ‘lacked passion’
He took responsibility for the team’s drop-off from their midweek Champions League win over Feyenoord, reiterating the need for high standards and meeting the fans’ expectations.
Celtic enjoyed a 2-1 win over Feyenoord in the week, with goals from Luis Palma and Gustaf Lagerbielke – the latter who secured a late winner in stoppage time.
Despite the win, the three points were not enough to prevent their European exit, as the finished the group stage with just four points.
