Celtic ended their pre-season stay in Portugal with a fine 2-0 win over Sporting CP.
Dane Murray impressed Celtic fans as the young defender looked solid as Brendan Rodgers’ side kept a clean sheet against the Portuguese double-winners.
Adam Idah struggled in the Celtic front line as the Irish striker was hooked at half-time for the young Johnny Kenny.
But overall, it was a good performance and result as Rodgers now turns his attention to Newcastle United’s visit to Celtic Park.
But as the Celtic fans remain happy, the meltdown their support had over the defeat was glorious as the scattergun came out for the players and manager.
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Celtic force Sporting CP fans to turn on ‘shameful’ Portuguese side
Now, bear in mind that this was Sporting’s first pre-season fixture ahead of their new season. But just like Celtic, they need to prepare for Champions League football and the defence of their league and cup double.
However, the defeat and the performance didn’t go down well with the Sporting fans on social media.
Translated: “Painful performance. Geny [Catamo], I don’t know what happened, horrible. [Francisco] Trincao, nowhere to be seen, let him abandon the fashion world and return to football.
“Alison [Santos], nowhere to be seen either. Sporting’s defence, asleep. Blatant opportunities wasted. First game, shameful. Get rid of the trash, please.”
@vasco_2004 was fuming and wants a complete overhaul of the Sporting squad and said, “What in my opinion should be done by the market’s close?
“Sell Fresneda (bet on Travassos as the second option), sell Israel (bet on Callai as the second option), sell Geny (for this system, we already have two right-backs, which in my opinion are sufficient).”
@Rei__Carlos was more philosophical and said, “Let’s calm everyone down. First pre-season game.
“Back four with the squad’s 4th and 5th centre-backs, the right-back who’s up for sale, and the left-back who’s the second option.
“You can tell some players aren’t yet in rhythm. The most important thing is understanding the dynamics. 90 minutes of Fresneda and Geny didn’t have to happen.”
But that kind of sensible thinking didn’t last long as this fan questions Rui Borges’ future at Sporting:
“Is it too early for a #Ruiborgesout? I think in the season he hadn’t convinced anyone, he just patched up the team and managed to win, but we saw little of his ideas, this pre-season still hasn’t shown much that proves he’s the right coach.”
And finally @LuismMelro also questions Borges’ ability to lead Sporting, “You’re a champion with a different tactical setup, one the players are adapted to.
“You want to put your personal stamp on it and change everything, okay, it’s the start of the season, but I don’t recognize this Sporting, I really hope that a month from now RB isn’t struggling to survive.”
Johnny Kenny to start for Celtic vs Newcastle United?
Johnny Kenny really impressed for the time he was on the Estadio Algarve pitch last night.
The young Irishman looked bright, forced the penalty for Reo Hatate’s opening goal and provided the assist for Luke McCowan’s strike as well.
With Idah clearly toiling, perhaps Kenny has given Brendan Rodgers something to think about when Eddie Howe’s Newcastle rock up to Celtic Park this Saturday.
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