Luis Palma admits it’s tough to argue with Brendan Rodgers’ assertion that Celtic need greater quality to compete in the Champions League.
The Honduran international is competing in European club football’s premier competition for the first time and, like the team, has endured more lows than highs to date.
Rodgers believes he needs to add more experienced figures to his squad to make them more competitive and Palma is of a similar mind.
“It’s not difficult to hear that because the manager is right,” said the winger. “We have to listen to him, we have to improve and we have to learn from him. We have to improve for the next time in the Champions League and we have to show that.
“Without a doubt we can improve. I can say that our group can improve next season to have better results.”
Palma was suspended for the midweek defeat to Lazio, a loss that ensures there will be no European football for Celtic in the new year.
And while disappointed by that, the player feels he has made huge improvements at this level.
He added: “From the first game against Feyenoord I feel that I’ve learned a lot. And from what the gaffer has told me I also feel that I’ve improved a lot too.
“Hopefully there is still more to come from me. Without a doubt we can improve as a team in the Champions League. I can say that our group can improve next season to have better results.”
Celtic return to the domestic fray this afternoon to take on St Johnstone. They struggled to break down a compact Motherwell defence last weekend and will likely face a similar challenge in Perth. But Palma didn’t shy away from the responsibility of making things happen.
“Since I’ve been at Celtic, most of the teams domestically play with a back five most of the time,” he added. “So there’s no space so we have to work hard in every game as a team. If I get the chance I have to also create chances and look to score.”
