Brendan Rodgers thinks the matches against Yokohama F.Marinos and Gamba Osaka will be a ‘step up’ in intensity for his Celtic squad as they continue to prepare for the kick-off of the Scottish Premiership.
The Bhoys played two training matches against Portuguese top-flight side Portimonense while at their warm weather camp, drawing the first 0-0 and coming out on top 4-1 on Saturday morning.
But facing the Japanese double-header will be a different experience entirely, in front of crowds in massive stadiums and the football played against teams slap bang in the middle of their season.
That, combined with the heat, time difference and training sessions scheduled means that the players will be working harder than ever during this pre-season period.
Rodgers said [Celtic TV]: “It’s a tough schedule over the two weeks. The heat in Portugal, it’ll be similar heat in Japan with the humidity. And of course the teams we’re playing out there are already halfway through their seasons.
“So, it’ll be a step up again in challenge for us. But that’s what we want. We need that challenge at this time of the season to improve our fitness levels.
“It’s going to be a big test. When teams are halfway through their seasons, they’re at a really good level of fitness compared to ourselves. We want good games, we want tough games and in the heat that will really push us.”
He added to The Scottish Sun: “It’s good to be able to travel but it’s important to get the work in. We’re pushing the players out of their comfort zones, but part of being at a club like this is going to different parts of the world.”
Celtic have confirmed the itinerary of the team this week, with training sessions taking part at each stadium on the night before their matches, with travel between Yokohama and Osaka coming on the famed bullet train system.
It’s going to be an interesting few days, certainly. Fans will get the first glimpse of the new Rodgers era on TV, the team experience a whole new footballing culture and slowly but surely the manager pieces his plan together for the defence of the treble. Celtic are back in a big way!
In other news, Celtic have a Japan plan for latest summer signings as amusing situation arises.
Receive a digest of our best Celtic content each week direct to your mailbox
