Brutally honest Harald Brattbakk believes Bodo/Glimt outclassed Celtic - but didn't rule out a Europa Conference League fightback.
The retired Norwegian striker, who played at Celtic Park between 1997 to 2000, was in the stands to watch Ange Postecoglou 's put to the sword by Kjetil Knutsen's men.
The 51-year-old admits he was taken aback by the levels produced by the visitors as Parkhead, insisting they were better all over the park.
He told The Go Radio Football Show: "I think the Bodo team were definitely better organised.
"I also think when you look at the team, player by player, I think Bodo were better as well because they had some good individuals as well.
"If you are Celtic and you are not up for the task collectively and individually, you are going to lose such a game.
"The budget last year (from Bodo) was quite good, but it was around £8million, so that puts it in perspective.
"Money counts in football, but it shows that you don't need to bring in big names."
With Celtic trailing 2-0, Daizen Maeda pulled one back 11 minutes from time to offer a lifeline ahead of the trip to the Arctic Circle.
But Hugo Vetlesen's deflected effort put the deficit back at two going into the second leg.
Brattbakk refused to rule out passage into the next round of the Europa Conference League for Celtic, but admitted it would take a dramatic upgrade in standards.
He added: "Although it will be more difficult, it's not done yet but it's going to be an uphill run for Celtic.
"They were a bit rusty at the back, so that made it difficult for them.
"There is still a chance, 2-1 would've been so much better than 3-1, but having said that Bodo/Glimt scored yesterday after six minutes.
"If Celtic score the first goal next week after six minutes, they are only one goal away from extra-time or having the chance to win so I wouldn't say it's impossible.
"But they have to do some stuff, they have to do some work."