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“A nice first step” – Former Liverpool boss salutes Iheanacho’s record goal

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“We’ve come away to a difficult venue and the players really stood up to that. I thought they had a really positive attitude in the game, especially in the second half,” the Celtic boss said in quotes revealed by BBC UK Sport.

“First half, we weren’t aggressive enough in our play, and we were giving the ball away with loose passing and didn’t quite connect the game.

KELECHI IHEANACHO celebrates in the Crvena zvezda vs Celtic Glasgow UEFA Europa League match at Rajko Mitic Stadium, Belgrade, 24.09.2025. Copyright: ImagoxMarkoxMetla

“The second half, we were much better, and Kelechi provided us with a great platform. I thought Kelechi Iheanacho’s goal was outstanding.

“I wanted us to be more proactive in the game, but overall, it was a nice first step for us in the competition.

“We needed someone centrally to hold the ball up. I felt we arrived in the final third, and in the first half, we were loose.

“One of Kele’s great strengths is that he can take the ball in and progress us up the pitch, and he gave us a better platform.

“When they levelled it and the crowd were right behind them, that’s when a team can fall, but they stood up to it and they just kept their task and got a valuable point.

“What is important is that you don’t lose the game, and we had a strong mentality to see that through at the end,” the 52-year-old concluded.

Kelechi Iheanacho celebrating the win. Celtic V Kilmarnock, Scottish Premiership, 14 September 2025 Kilmarnock BBSP Rugby Park Kilmarnock
Kelechi Iheanacho is celebrating the win. Celtic V Kilmarnock, Scottish Premiership, 14 September 2025, Kilmarnock BBSP Rugby Park, Kilmarnock. [Photo Credit/ IMAGO xLiamxChester].

After the game, Iheanacho was delighted to have found the back of the net for the second time in three games.

“It felt really great, playing my first European competition with Celtic. I’m happy to get a goal for the team,” the 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup winner said in quotes revealed by Celtic’s official website.

“It was a great atmosphere, to be fair. We got a point here, and hopefully we’ll get more points in the future,” the 28-year-old concluded.

Kelechi Iheanacho celebrates his goal against Red Star Belgrade in the UEFA Europa League
Kelechi Iheanacho celebrates his goal against Red Star Belgrade in the UEFA Europa League. [Photo Credit/ Kelechi Iheanacho on X].

Up next for the Hoops is their SPFL home game against Hibernian on Saturday. They’re currently top of the Scottish domestic league.