It was confirmed earlier this week that Celtic will play Wolves in a pre-season friendly in Dublin later this month. The news didn’t come as much of a surprise after the sides’ previous arrangement for a match-up in South Korea had to be called off.
Such a cancellation was disappointing not only for fans of both teams in South Korea but for the clubs themselves. Indeed Wolves’ general manager for marketing and commercial growth, Russell Jones, said (wolves.co.uk): “Both ourselves and Celtic were extremely disappointed to have been forced to withdraw from our tour of South Korea this summer, but we are pleased that we have been able to rearrange this pre-season fixture.”
A match-up against Premier League opposition will provide Brendan Rodgers and Celtic with a stern test. Wolves finished thirteenth in England’s top flight last season, but for them to come up against a treble-winning side who an elite manager coaches will be tough.
Indeed their manager Julen Lopetegui said: “Celtic are a very big club with great players and a very good manager, so we know how difficult the match is going to be, but it’s the kind of challenge we want as it will help prepare the players for our new Premier League season.”
Celtic receiving the recognition they deserve from a Premier League manager is pleasant to hear. Lopetegui clearly recognises the Hoops as a top side that will undoubtedly go toe to toe with his team in a few weeks.
