Brendan Rodgers has shared his thoughts after Celtic’s 5‑1 loss to Ajax in the Como Cup, a result that means the Hoops will now face Al Ahli in Saturday’s third-place play-off. While the score line was heavy, Rodgers insisted the performance was closer than the numbers made it look.

He felt Celtic played well for the first hour, showing good shape and creating a number of chances. The third goal, according to Rodgers, was a turning point that swung the game strongly in Ajax’s direction.

The Irishman pointed out there were still plenty of positives, praising the goal Celtic scored and saying the team had good spells where they looked sharp. He felt the players showed rhythm and were linking up well during those phases.

Rodgers also mentioned that the tough training schedule is catching up with the squad. He said the players looked tired late in the game, and that this drop in energy played a part in the late goals, which he felt could’ve been avoided with better focus.

He said: (Celtic TV), “I didn’t think it was quite a 5-1 game. For the first 60 minutes of the game, we were very good, and the third goal we gave away.

“But we had lots of really good moments, scored one and should have had more. The goal we scored was very, very good.

“Then I just felt in the last 30 minutes of the game, we gave the ball away far too easily and we lost out on too many duels.

“You can see with the players, they’re obviously working very hard. They’re getting a wee bit leggy in some of the games because we’re pushing them into training. So, sometimes you get that.

“Then obviously, the two goals right at the end are disappointing because they’re shots from outside the box, which we should do better with. You’ve got to get to the ball.

“But overall really, lots of positives from us, but also always a reminder of still the work we have to do.”

Rodgers’ reaction follows a pattern fans have seen this pre-season: flashes of good play mixed with clear signs there’s work to be done. Celtic were solid in the first hour but couldn’t keep the same level, especially when it came to keeping the ball and competing physically as the players tired.

Fitness looked like a factor as the game wore on. Rodgers pointed out that the players are still being pushed hard in training, and that extra load seemed to show in the closing stages. The two late goals, both from range, came after some poor defending that he’ll want to tighten up.

With the third-place play-off against Al Ahli coming on Saturday, Rodgers will expect better focus and control over the full 90 minutes. He’ll want to see improvement in keeping possession and standing up to physical battles throughout the match.

Even with the result, Rodgers saw things to build on. He praised the goal and some strong passages of play, showing there’s attacking quality in the side. What matters now is turning those moments into a full, consistent performance before the season starts.