Celtic manager Gordon Strachan says his players deserve credit despite their midweek European exit.
The 2-1 defeat by Aalborg saw the club miss out on the last 16 of the Champions League and a Uefa Cup spot.
"It's disappointing we're not going any further. We had opportunities but things conspired against us," he said.
"We're quite happy as a club about what we've achieved in the last six years. We're not victims, we're very proud of what we've done."
Strachan expressed disappointment that his side would not be in Europe after Christmas, but said he was proud of his squad.
"Our expectations have been that great in the last couple of years that we have made it in Europe past Christmas," he said.
"I thank the players for putting us in this position - it's their fault for winning championships""But we take responsibility for not being there.
"We take the high responsibilities put on this group, because we put them in the fans' minds. We've beaten a lot of big teams in the past few years. So I thank the players for putting that expectation on us.
"I thank them for putting us in the position, where we lose a lot of Champions League away games. It's their fault for winning championships."
Celtic midfielder Paul Hartley said criticism of Scottish sides' performances in Europe this season was wide of the mark.
Speaking to journalists on Friday, he said: "I didn't see you criticising it last season when we got to the last 16 of the Champions League and Rangers got to the UEFA Cup Final.
"Of course, we are all disappointed but that's just the way football goes at times.
MY SPORT: DEBATE"But it's all the criticism of Scottish football that comes with it. Were you criticising it last season?
"But you are criticising it now because we've had one bad season - sorry!"
The former Hearts player continued: "Look at our home form, we are undefeated in the Champions League.
"Okay, everybody talks about the away form but we were unlucky on Tuesday. We lost two bad goals from two deflections so, of course, the players are disappointed to lose the game."
Meanwhile, Strachan revealed that midfielder Aiden McGeady's knee injury is causing concern.
McGeady who missed the Champions League defeat by Aalborg after failing a late fitness test.
"We will monitor him. Aiden gets about 20 minutes pain-free before he starts to feel pain," said the Celtic manager.
"The doctor and the rest of the guys will look into that and see what the best way is to get Aiden back to full fitness."
Celtic entertain Inverness CT on Saturday, looking to add to their 11 consecutive SPL victories.
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