Thursday Feb 21 2008 08:33
Celtic manager Gordon Strachan claimed too many of his players failed to perform during Wednesday's 3-2 Champions League defeat to Barcelona.
The Bhoys face an uphill task to reach the quarter-finals as they need to score at least twice in the second leg of the last 16 tie at the Camp Nou in two weeks' time.
But it could have been different for Celtic as they twice took the lead at Parkhead through goals by Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink and Barry Robson.
Strachan also called on supporters not to blame Gary Caldwell after his mistake with the home side leading 2-1 led to Thierry Henry's second-half equaliser.
"Until he made his mistake, Gary Caldwell was excellent in the way he was composed and doing the things I wanted him to do," he said.
"Unfortunately he gave the ball away but it would be very unfair if people picked on Gary Caldwell.
"There was a lot worse than Gary Caldwell in terms of ability in our team tonight.
"Too many players didn't play to their maximum and, as I say, I hope people don't remember Gary's pass. I thought he was excellent in the first half especially."
Meanwhile, Strachan played down his side's chances of salvaging the tie in the second leg, adding: "I wouldn't put my house on it. It took me 35 years to get it.
"But we'll go over there and give it a go."
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