Here are the key talking points after the game…

Rodgers blamed the pitch

The Celtic boss was certain that the plastic pitch was the reason for Celtic’s downfall. He blasted: “It’s a disappointment, there’s no doubt. I don’t think we did enough to win the game. We upped the level when we went behind, but we didn’t show enough quality when we had the ball.

“For the goal, we switch off from the throw-in and lose our duels, then they get through and score. It was a disappointing result for us, but give credit to Kilmarnock, they worked hard and got their blocks and tackles in, and they win the game.”

The Irishman was asked why Celtic lost and he said the reason was: “The pitch. The pitch and nothing else. Obviously, for a team looking to move the ball quickly, and when you’re coming up against an organised, fit opponent, you need the ball to move fast. I don’t want to make any excuses, it’s a tough place to come and today we didn’t do enough.

“If you lose any game, you always have to give it 24 hours to grieve. We will go away and assess it, and they key thing is to learn.

“This is team that has a lot of new players in. People will look at it and say ‘this is the same squad’. It’s not the same squad whatsoever. It’s a different squad of players, but still we should have more quality than we showed today. We’ll review and analyse it and look at our next game.”#

Gustaf Lagerbielke made his debut

Gustaf Lagerbielke earned his first start for Celtic today – it couldn’t have gone much worse in terms of the result for the Swede.

Signed as a result of Carl Starfelt departing for Celta Vigo, the Elfsborg signing partnered with fellow defensive youngster Maik Nawrocki – and he impressed with some of his passing.

It wasn’t an ideal start for the 23-year-old. A bad result but overall he had a decent run out.

Rodgers said: “I thought Gustaf did well, he’s strong and passes the ball well, I thought he was strong for us today.”

Hoops have work to do

Despite starting a strong midfield and their preferred front line, the Hoops just couldn’t show their quality against Derek McInnes’ men and found barely any chances at all coming their way after the opener.

In Killie’s defence, they pressed extremely well and made life overly difficult for Brendan Rodgers’ side with barely any time on the ball compared to other games they’ve played in this season and last.

Yet the quality just wasn’t there when needed most, and it became quite a frustrating watch for Hoops fans at a ground where they have excelled in the last few seasons.

But the overriding message is that the Hoops will need to get back to the training ground – if they play like this in the Champions League, it could be embarrassing.

What has been said

Former Bhoys boss Neil Lennon is convinced that Rodgers will make moves in the market but reckons the Irishman’s side like one pass too many in the final third.

He said: “Celtic were a little flat and a work in progress for Brendan. It’s very early in the season. The midfield and the final third is where they lacked the creativity, but I wouldn’t push the panic button yet. It is so early in the season.

“This team will only get better and I am still convinced they are going to bring a couple of players in to improve the quality of the squad and performances.”

What happens next

If Celtic are to challenge for the treble again, they will need to spend the money earned from the Jota deal without a doubt – and defensive reinforcements will be needed.

Brendan Rodgers remained positive. He said: “I think when I came in here before and won trebles people think that’s just what you come in and do. It’s a very difficult thing to do and you see with this defeat that magnifies the achievement from before. It is a new cycle and I want to win every game as the Celtic manager and this is bitterly disappointing.”

He added that hopes to bolster the squad before the transfer deadline. He said: Rodgers admits he may have to seek out some older heads if his team are to avoid another slip-up. He said: “We want good players, whatever age they are. We need quality, that’s for sure. Hopefully between now and the end of the window we can improve the squad.

“Clearly the model of the club is to bring the players in at a younger age and develop them and improve them. But we are not against bringing in someone at 26 or 27 if they can improve the squad.”