An absolutely delighted Celtic manager spoke to Celtic TV after yesterday’s 4-1 win over Chelsea, the second English Premier League side beaten by Celtic during the club’s three match USA Tour…
Chelsea and Celtic players walk on the field before the pre-season l match between Chelsea and Celtic at the Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend, Indiana on July 27 2024. (Photo by KAMIL KRZACZYNSKI/AFP via Getty Images)
Delighted? “Absolutely, I think it’s a great way to finish off the tour. I just said to the players afterwards, that all the work that they have done, how they have represented the club in their time here has been really brilliant, so I take great pride in that. But also on the pitch, how we’re played. How we’ve really devoted the mindset in the work, the intensity of the games and I also know that big teams, they don’t want to lose games, pre-season or not.
“So in the performance we had what you would want from a top team – structure, you’ve got talent in the team and then you’ve got work. That mentality to work and run with talent and a structure gives you a great chance.
“I look at Kyogo’s goal, we made about 23 or 24 passes in that, so having that confidence and personality to wait for the moment. Across the board, I’m really happy with the performance and with the younger guys coming into the game, there was no difference. They pressed the game, they harassed the opponent then should the quality when they had the ball.”
Celtic fans cheer after the friendly soccer match between Chelsea and Celtic on July 27, 2024, at Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend, IN. Photo by Joseph Weiser/Icon Sportswire SOCCER
On the Celtic support being so passionate and so excited that Celtic have been playing – and winning – in the States this summer, Brendan Rodgers was as you would expect, hugely complimentary about the backing the team has received in all three matches from the Stateside Celtic support.
Celtic fans cheer after the friendly soccer match between Chelsea and Celtic on July 27, 2024, at Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend, IN. Photo by Joseph Weiser/Icon Sportswire SOCCER
Celtic fans wait for the start of the pre-season club match between Chelsea and Celtic at Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend, Indiana, on July 27, 2024. (Photo by KAMIL KRZACZYNSKI/AFP via Getty Images)
Fans of Kyogo Furuhashi wait for the pre-season match between Chelsea and Celtic at Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend, Indiana, on July 27, 2024. (Photo by KAMIL KRZACZYNSKI/AFP via Getty Images)
“It’s so nice, especially in such a historical venue as well. I think that where we’ve been, Washington, Chapel Hill and here, I think our supporters have been absolutely magnificent. They are the difference. But it’s also why we come to America. These are guys that have to get up early in the morning to watch our games back home. So to be able to take the team here, they can fell the short close by and they can watch the team live, yeah, I think that they have enjoyed the three games.”
Celtic’s Michael Johnston celebrates his goal during a pre-season match between Chelsea and Celtic at Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend, Indiana, on July 27, 2024. Photo by KAMIL KRZACZYNSKI/AFP via Getty Image
Obviously these games are all about preparing for Flag Day, the game against Kilmarnock a week today. Asked whether the team is now in the place he wants them to be Brendan Rodgers had this to say.
“I think so. We still have another week’s work before we arrive into there but I think that this preparation phase, with this last 12 days has gone as well as what it possibly could have done. Players looking sharp and fit, looking intense and obviously the quality of the football to score the goals.
“Twelve goals in three games, and two of those against really high level opponents so yes, we are in a really good place, so now get back safely everyone and prepare for Flag Day.”
Matt O’Riley celebrates after scoring during a pre-season match between Chelsea and Celtic at Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend, Indiana, on July 27, 2024. ((Photo by KAMIL KRZACZYNSKI/AFP via Getty Images)
Here are the highlights from Chelsea TV…ENJOY!
Last word from the Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca…
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Publish date : 2024-07-28 07:20:33
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