Celtic manager Rodgers praises ‘magical’ winger performance

Both the performance and the outcome were excellent. Was that the ideal test that you took?

It was, indeed. The way Pep (Guardiola) teams play is extremely intricate.

I predicted before the game that we would need to improve both physically and tactically because you have to be extremely focused and apply pressure when it’s appropriate. Pressing isn’t always possible because it makes you run farther. I thought the players did a great job handling that. Our football game was really good. The objectives were class, and we demonstrated our desire to attack by attacking. Once again, the supporters were outstanding, and the evening was fantastic.

A brief note on Nicolas Kuhn. He contributed an assist and two excellent finishes. When playing a team like Manchester City, you have to take your chances, and he did. Will Kuhn give it his all for Celtic this season?

Hopefully, he was adjusting during the first year and returned with a really polished appearance.

The moves made to score the goals were excellent. There was some really good football to be played through City’s press. Despite their pressure, we did a pretty good job of building it up. He did a great job finishing his two goals. He made a magical pass for the third goal. It was a long way to go for the outside of his right foot, so it was fantastic that he scored two goals and provided an assist. He was very good, but he just felt a little bit on his knee, which prevented us from playing him for a little while longer.

Despite your numerous changes and formidable starting lineup, the enthusiasm persisted. Wasn’t it still operating at a very high level?

That is a great indication of the players’ dedication to their training and work. We are encouraging them to have a strong defensive, which calls for aggression.

I’ve been really pleased with how we’re improving the final step in the games, particularly against DC United and Manchester City. Teams that I see in the press never make it there. The boys are beginning to take the final step, gain possession of the ball, cause a little chaos in the game to help them regain possession, and then go play football. Every player on both teams performed that extremely well.

In the first half, Kasper Schmeichel made his debut and made a couple of memorable saves, didn’t he?

Everyone probably anticipates him doing that. In that one-on-one situation, he is among the greatest. His timing is impeccable, and he makes himself appear enormous.

It was a very charming way for him to enter. As time goes on, he’ll realise just how much we depend on him. His personality will be very beneficial to the club as well as the team.

After a day of rest, the players will travel to Indiana to play Chelsea. The tour of the USA is going great, isn’t it?

Indeed. From a logistical and organisational standpoint, I believe the club has performed incredibly well overall. Everything has gone smoothly and effortlessly. That cannot occur unless the preparation and organisation have been completed before coming here. It speaks volumes about the staff as a whole. The players deserve it because they have been training so hard and will require a day off to rest. On Thursday morning, we have an extremely demanding session scheduled before we board the plane for our final few days.