Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has heaped praise on left-back Alexandro Bernabei following the club’s pre-season tour in Japan, which concluded with a victory against Gamba Osaka.
The reaction from Brendan on the touchline was brilliant, the Celtic manager was smiling ear to ear and could have broken into laughter the way the goal came about.
⚽️𝗚𝗢𝗔𝗟 𝗖𝗘𝗟𝗧𝗜𝗖🍀
🇦🇷Alexandro Bernabei (85)
🔵Gamba Osaka0️⃣-1️⃣Celtic FC🟢 pic.twitter.com/7V5aJpmzhX— The Parkhead Faithful (@TheParkheadF) July 22, 2023
Bernabei, who hasn’t yet secured a regular spot in the starting eleven due to Greg Taylor’s impressive performances, made a significant impact in the match. Despite an initial mis-kick, the Argentine recovered well, pressuring the defender, then the goalkeeper and eventually scoring a goal.
Rodgers was quick to commend Bernabei’s perseverance and skill. He said: [Celtic TV]
“Well, it’s great that you can make a pass like that, and for it to be so bad but it ends up as a goal. But, no, give massive credit to him. He played a great ball in Portugal with the outside of his foot and we end up getting a goal from it.”
The manager also highlighted Bernabei’s determination, which led to the goal.
“He has tried a similar thing on the opposite side today and I think he kicked the ground, but don’t overanalyse it. He kept going and pressed the keeper, and gets his reward for that. It was a nice way to get it and nice for the supporters to feel a goal in the stadium.”
The change of manager could potentially swing the favour in Bernabei’s direction, and his performances in Japan and Portugal certainly made a strong case for his inclusion in the starting lineup; however, displacing Greg Taylor is no easy task. Rodgers’ praise of Bernabei underscores the player’s potential and his ability to make a significant contribution to the team.
