Celtic’s pre-season campaign took a significant step forward with a 2-0 win over Sporting Lisbon at the Estádio Algarve on 16th July. Goals from Reo Hatate and substitute Luke McCowan secured the victory, showcasing the team’s growing cohesion. The match, part of an intensive pre-season schedule, highlighted Celtic’s defensive solidity and midfield control, with summer signings Kieran Tierney and Benjamin Nygren earning starts. However, Rodgers identified a key area for improvement in his post-match comments. “Some of our football was outstanding,” he told Celtic FC’s YouTube channel. “We maybe lacked a little bit in the final third of the pitch, at times, just to finish off some great moves, but other than that, it was a great workout.” The manager emphasized the need for sharper finishing, particularly from striker Adam Idah, who missed two significant chances before being substituted at halftime due to a precautionary groin issue.
💬 "Tactically, we were excellent in the game in our pressure and pressing, and, in our play, some of our football was outstanding."
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) July 17, 2025
📰 Read more from the Manager below ⤵️#SummerOfCeltic 🇵🇹 | #CelticFC🍀
The performance against Sporting, a strong Portuguese side, demonstrated Celtic’s ability to control possession and press effectively. Substitute Johnny Kenny made an immediate impact, winning the penalty converted by Hatate and assisting McCowan’s goal, signaling healthy competition in the attacking ranks. Rodgers’ focus on building rhythm and sharpness underscores the importance of these friendlies as Celtic prepare for their next challenge against Newcastle United at Celtic Park on Saturday.
👟⚽️#SummerOfCeltic 🇵🇹 | #CelticFC 🍀 pic.twitter.com/0l4MEpG4J0
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) July 16, 2025
Looking Ahead: Building for a Big Season
With the new kit unveiled and pre-season momentum building, Celtic are laying the groundwork for another dominant campaign. The signing of Yamada, alongside other summer additions like Tierney and Nygren, reflects Rodgers’ ambition to refresh the squad following the departures of Kyogo to Rennes and Nicolas Kühn to Como. However, the manager’s call for sharper finishing in the final third and his cautious approach to high-profile transfers like Édouard signal a focus on squad cohesion over star power.
CCV 😮💨
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) July 16, 2025
The new @adidasfootball x #CelticFC away kit,
available to pre-order now🍀
As Celtic prepare to face Newcastle and then Ajax in the Como Cup, the new kit and new signings will be on full display. Fans are optimistic that the blend of heritage-inspired design, emerging talents like Yamada, and Rodgers’ tactical tweaks will propel the Hoops to another successful season in the Scottish Premiership and beyond.
The new kits are available for purchase on Celtic’s official website, and supporters are already buzzing about seeing their team in action. With Rodgers demanding more from his forwards and the squad taking shape, Celtic’s 2025-26 campaign promises to be one of ambition and excitement.