Celtic were condemned to their worst ever UEFA Champions League campaign after a 5-1 loss to Real Madrid on Wednesday night (local time).
Ange Postecoglou's side picked up just two points from their six group games having previously always won at least a game during past UCL campaigns.
This year did mark Celtic's first season in the competition since 2017/18 with Postecoglou himself competing in the UEFA Champions League for the first time as a manager.
Despite some lopsided scorelines, Postecoglou's side regularly created a number of chances but struggled to convert them.
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Across their six group games, Celtic had 30 shots on target but scored just four times. In turn, they faced 32 shots on target and conceded 15 goals.
Those stats highlights where the Hoops feel short and Postecoglou feels they showed enough signs that they can be competitive by playing an attacking brand of football.
"I've seen the players grow through it and understand the fine lines, how you get punished for mistakes, and how you need to take opportunities," Postecoglou said post-match.
"You can only develop that by experiencing it. It's the first time we've been in the Champions League in five years.
"Ultimately the responsibility lies with me because we've taken a bold approach to try and make an impact and we've paid the price for not having the quality and clinical edge at one end, and the opposition taking advantage at the other.
"If we keep playing like this and continue to improve and continually get to Champions League level, then I've no doubt we'll make an impact.
"Bridging that gap isn't immense but it's the most difficult bit to get right because you're talking about scoring goals at this level - it's not the easiest thing to do.
"Anyone that's watched our games, today you can't take away from the fact that they're a fantastic football team, but we came here and created opportunities that I think other clubs would struggle to do. There's something in that for us, but ultimately we fell short.
"We will need to understand the areas that we have fallen short in, and some of it's just experience. This is all new - our ambition should be to be at Champions League level every year and if we do that and show the same sort of intent then we'll start to make more of an impact."
🎙 Ange Postecoglou on the match#RealMadridCeltic | #UCL | #CelticFC🍀
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) November 2, 2022
While stumbling in Europe, Celtic continue to stand tall domestically and are currently four points clear in the Scottish Premiership after 12 games.
Postecoglou's side will spend some of the upcoming World Cup break in Australia for the Sydney Super Cup which kicks off on November 17 with Everton also involved.
Tickets for games are still available and can be purchased here.
