Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers: Portugal trip has been everything we’ve wanted

Brendan Rodgers spoke positively about the camaraderie and spirit fostered in Celtic’s Portuguese pre-season training camp as preparations for the new season continue.

The Scottish champions travelled to Portugal after winning the Cork Super Cup against Cork City early last week, and trained at the national team’s training centre, Cidade do Futebol.

Celtic also visited Benfica’s training campus where they lost 3-2 in a challenge match against Estrela da Amadora on Saturday before visiting Estadio Nacional, the scene of the Parkhead club’s historic European Cup final win over Inter Milan in 1967, on Monday.

Speaking to Celtic TV ahead of the Hoops’ friendly match against Sporting Lisbon in the Algarve on Wednesday night, Rodgers said: “It’s been an excellent trip for us. It seems like a long time ago since we were in Cork, but coming out to here, the players have been able to get a lot of good work in.

“What’s very important is the camaraderie and the spirit that you create when you’re away on pre-season tours.

“This has been everything that we’ve wanted, and we want to finish off with another really good game.

“It’s always about timing. You’re pushing the players to their very maximum.

“Physically the guys are improving. I think we still have a way to go, but there’s absolutely no doubt that physical and mental sharpness is there within our game.

“These early moments of pre-season, they’re all about the tests, physically and mentally and the guys are coping really well.”