Brendan Rodgers has highlighted where Celtic can still improve despite a solid 2-0 win over Sporting Lisbon at the Estádio Algarve in their fourth pre-season match.
The Hoops showed plenty of quality in possession and worked well as a unit, but Rodgers feels there’s still work to be done, especially in the final third. It was a game where the overall play stood out more than the scoreline, even though Celtic found the net twice.
The defence held firm and limited Sporting’s chances, showing that Rodgers’ defensive setup is taking shape. The midfield linked well, keeping the ball moving and pressing when needed, reflecting the growing depth in the squad. In attack, Celtic created openings with sharp passing and clever movement, but the finishing touch was missing at times.
Rodgers made it clear the focus of the night was building rhythm and sharpness. The players showed good structure and kept a strong tempo over both halves. Fitness levels are rising and match sharpness is coming back as they prepare for the season ahead.
He said: (Celtic FC YouTube), “Some of our football was outstanding.
“We maybe lacked a little bit in the final third of the pitch, at times, just to finish off some great moves but other than that it was a great workout.
“We scored two goals but could’ve had more.”
Rodgers will be pleased with how his team controlled large parts of the match. The players pressed well and looked confident when moving the ball forward. Performances are clearly improving.
Even so, the lack of a cutting edge up front is still a concern. If Celtic can start finishing the chances they create, strong displays could turn into big wins. Rodgers knows this and is likely to focus on it in training as tougher matches approach.
With fitness improving and the team’s structure taking shape, Rodgers has a good base to work from. There are plenty of positives, and if the forwards show more calm in front of goal, Celtic could cause problems for any defence when the season gets going.
The mix of solid defending and inventive play going forward gives Rodgers reasons to be hopeful.
The next game against Newcastle United on Saturday at Celtic Park will be another chance to see if Celtic can be more ruthless. The key question now is whether they can turn strong spells of play into goals when it really matters.
