Ange Postecoglou told his Celtic players that they will eventually get their rewards if they repeat the “great” performance against Shakhtar Donetsk that earned them their first Champions League point.
The Hoops dominated the overwhelming majority of the match at the Legia Warsaw Municipal Stadium on Wednesday, but had to settle for a 1-1 draw.
“The performance was excellent,” said the Australian Celtic manager.
“Obviously the result didn’t reflect that, but throughout the game the players gave their all and that’s all I can ask for.
“We needed that second goal and we had a good chance of getting it. From my point of view, I can’t ask for more from them.
We will get our rewards if we continue to play this type of football and show this type of commitment. “
Celtic also lost chances in the 3-0 defeat to Real Madrid, but Postecglou was more optimistic this week.
“I think the performance is more important than the point,” he said.
“It is the highest level of club football, every match is under pressure, every moment of every match is important. I just thought there was real growth in our team and in the way we handled everything. .
“You absolutely have to win everything at this level. Every point and every win will require the utmost effort on our part and to be at our best.
In a match played in Poland following the exile of Ukrainian champions Shakhtar, Celtic scored 16 attempts against five for their opponents.
Postecglou said: “Last week we were good for 55, 60 minutes and then the opposition overtook us.
“Here you are a long way from home and obviously it’s a neutral place but it’s not your home ground and I just thought they showed resilience and mental strength to keep playing our football. this level, I think it’s encouraging.
“We gave our all. We didn’t get the three points, but if we keep doing it, I think it will give us a chance to be successful in every game we play. “