Brendan Rodgers was satisfied with the two contrasting 45 minutes that he watched against Athletic Club of Bilbao in Celtic’s final pre-season test.
During the first half what would be considered the Celtic First XI looked like it was their first game of pre-season with misplaced passes across the midfield leaving the defence stretched and vulnerable.
After the break came Plan B with 10 substitutions at the break, 11 after 49 minutes when man of the moment James Forrest was replaced by Liel Abada.
Suddenly the passing was crisper, the movement better and Athletic Club put under pressure.
Two goals in a five minute spell midway through the half were reward for those involved with Alexandro Benabei and David Turnbull clinical in front of goal.
It was a bit of a puzzler but the fans went home happy, 45,000 enjoyed their night with the manager left with plenty to ponder once Forrest had taken the post match acclaim.
Rodgers told the Celtic TV:
It wasn’t a great start! Obviously we’re all really happy for James, and the overall performance of the team for him.
In the first-half we weren’t very good, if I’m honest. I didn’t think we started well, we were very passive and gave the ball away. Obviously we had some guys playing their first minutes of pre-season so it was a little bit broken.
But I thought the second-half team was excellent. Positioning was really good, we kept the ball well and got into some really dangerous areas.
We showed good energy and the attitude in the game was really, really good and we scored two excellent goals in the second-half.’
So, overall, I was really pleased. It was a really good game to finish, against a really good side, and a lovely turnout for James in terms of the supporters. We will be better, we can be better, but a good end to our pre-season.
The real action gets underway on Saturday with Ross County the visitors. Rodgers has some big decisions on which of last night’s 22 players make his Starting XI.
Id say he woild be especailly the reception from the fans first half had me worried second half young dane stated dominating midfield we started holding ball not trying to get forward to quick all the goals were well worked second was great passing move there a few players have to do better passing crossing not good enough better in second half against ross county they are going to get ariel bombardement left side will be inderpressure cause of the height our full backs means our left sided centre back will be pulled wide so midfielder has to drop back and cover that spot we are not going to get breakaway goal ross county wont leve there defencify position so uts going to be time waisting
Really enjoyable game, and especially for a testimonial.
Holm certainly impressed: could become our ‘budget Odegaard’ ?
And was pleasantly surprised at Oh getting stuck in to 50/50’s.
…just need a keeper now…
Wow! We’ve just been on a tour of Japan. Think about that!