Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers praised his players for responding to his “harsh” words as they came from behind to beat Sturm Graz 2-1.

Rodgers likened his task this season to being handed the keys to a Honda Civic and being told to drive it like a Ferrari after a 2-0 defeat by Dundee on Sunday made it six matches this season without scoring.

Celtic endured a difficult start to their latest Europa League clash as hamstring injuries to striker Kelechi Iheanacho and full-back Alistair Johnston sandwiched Tomi Horvat’s spectacular long-range opener for the visitors.

But Rodgers’ side turned the game on its head in the space of three minutes just after the hour mark as Liam Scales and Benjamin Nygren netted following corners.

“Sometimes with players you have to be harsh to be clear, and then you hope that you get that reaction,” Rodgers said.

“These players know that I’m with them always. I spend my life dedicated to making this team better, making the individuals better, helping the club progress. And at the weekend, it’s not good enough.

“So tonight, we weren’t quite the Ferrari, but we’re Range Rover Sport, I’ll go with. Hopefully we have no more Morris Minors in the performance. Not that...