Sadiku: Celtic Aims to Build on Champions League Experience

Elena Sadiku, Celtic’s head coach, expressed her hope that the team can leverage the insights gained from their current Champions League campaign. The reigning SWPL champions, who made their historic debut in the competition this season, have one European group stage fixture remaining. This follows their 3-0 loss to Real Madrid on Wednesday night. Speaking to CelticTV, external, Sadiku reflected on the match, stating: “If you look at this game, Kelsey Daugherty doesn’t make as many saves as last time.” She attributed the defeat to defensive lapses, adding: “The goals we conceded were too easy. The first was a mistake from our build, the second we should defend that cross much better and the third was from a set play that I think we should control much better.” Sadiku noted an improvement in offensive opportunities compared to their previous outing, but expressed frustration: “We also created much better chances than we did in the last game. It’s just frustrating because we should have been better in many parts of the game. Real Madrid deserved to win but we conceded two easy goals.” She praised the impact of her substitutes: “The subs came on with great energy, they changed the game. That was really nice to see but I’m very disappointed we conceded that goal just before the subs. I think with the energy they brought Real Madrid would have been more under pressure.” The coach emphasized the long-term benefits of the campaign, concluding: “This campaign and the experience will give us knowledge of competing at this level. You can see how well the men are doing now [in the Champions League] but they also have the experience from before. It’s a start, we’re going to build from here.”