Mika Baur: ‘Maybe Celtic aren’t capable of winning Europa League games at the moment’

Mika Baur says it is possible Celtic aren’t capable of winning European games at the moment, with a focus on league performance every few days.

Following defeats by Ferencvaros and Benfica in their first two league phase fixtures, Baur fired the home side in front just over a minute into the second half against Celta Vigo.

Both sides hadn’t gained three points in the Europa League campaign yet, and it looked as if Martin O’Neill’s men would lift themselves out of the doldrums of the league table.

However, Spain international Javi Rodriguez scored twice in three minutes – a header then an unstoppable drive – to leave the Hoops with no points with five fixtures remaining.

Baur admits Celtic are simply struggling at Europa League level at the moment.

He said: “The focus is performing every three days in the league. That’s first and then performing in Europa League or international football as well.

“At the moment, maybe we are not capable to win these games. But in two weeks, that’s the next one, against Besiktas, home again. Hopefully a good atmosphere. We need the points.

“But, absolutely disappointing.

“The first half was absolutely okay, it was an open game.

“Then we scored, then we had 10, 12, 15 minutes where we controlled it and dominated it, and then they scored, and at that moment the momentum switched completely and we were not capable to switch it again.

“We had no control. We made mistakes, they pushed us in our own half, around our box.

“It’s not getting easier now, but there’s still five games ahead. What else should we do then but believe?

“As I said, five games ahead and the chances are there. We need points.”