Celtic played Estrela da Amadora in a Lisbon friendly on Saturday.
Brendan Rodgers was able to give the majority of his matchday squad much needed minutes as the players continue to build their fitness.
But he watched Celtic lose 3-2 to the Portuguese top-flight team as individual defensive errors ultimately led to the defeat at Benfica’s training campus.
Youngsters Colby Donovan, Ben McPherson and Dane Murray all gifted Estrela their goals, with Reo Hatate and Adam Idah getting on the scoresheet for the Hoops.
- READ MORE: ‘Expect the same outcome’ – Celtic fans blast defender after losing to Estrela da Amadora
Rodgers assesses Celtic’s loss to Estrela da Amadora
Celtic boss Rodgers spoke to Celtic TV after the match to assess what he had just watched, and explained his players were a bit leggy after a tough week.
However, he was pleased overall before outlining what the plan of action is between now and Tuesday night when Celtic face Sporting CP.
Rodgers said: “It was good, a really, really good exercise for us. We’re obviously only a couple of weeks in. There were some really good moments, some not so good.
“Some young players were getting opportunities, and some players were playing the first minutes of the pre-season. So overall, it’s another step towards where we want to get to.
“The guys have had a really heavy week, so probably a wee bit leggy in the legs today. It’s that point of the summer where you have to push and you have to get through that. That’s all about building your fitness.
“They will always look to play our game model, which is to press and to play. And we did that. The goals were excellent. But then we got caught out, especially on their third goal, just pressing at the wrong moment.
“For the younger players, this is just about the experience for them. If you can really show your personality, great. But if not, you’re getting fit and you’re getting to train and play with really good players.
“We’ll have a meal together this evening, which is very important socially. When you’re away in pre-season, it gives you not only the chance to connect on the field but off the field as well.
“Players will have a free day tomorrow as their day of recovery and then we get back into our double sessions for next week.”
How many pre-season games are left for Celtic?
Well, the Hoops face one of their biggest pre-season challenges this Tuesday as they take on Portuguese champions Sporting CP at the Estádio Algarve.
Three days later, Celtic are back in Glasgow to take on Premier League outfit Newcastle United for the adidas Trophy.
Celtic then have two more guaranteed friendly games at the Como Cup. Ajax are the club’s opponents on July 24, before either a third place play-off or final against Como or Al-Ahli.
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