Brendan Rodgers praises Nicolas Kuhn after Manchester City double

Published 24th Jul 2024

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers praised the performance of Nicolas Kuhn after the winger shone in a 4-3 friendly win over Manchester City.

Kuhn scored twice and produced a sublime assist for Kyogo Furuhashi before making way at half-time with his side 3-1 ahead in North Carolina.

The January signing took some time to settle in Scotland after arriving on the back of dental surgery which affected his weight but is already showing signs he will step up a gear in his first full season.

"He's adapting," Rodgers told Celtic TV. "He has come back looking really sharp.

"The moves for the goals were outstanding. Some of our football to play through City's press and pressure, we built it up really well.

"He was away and he finished his two goals really, really well. And his pass for the third goal was just magical, outside of the foot, had to travel a long distance."

Kuhn added: "We played some great football, created a lot of chances, and I'm happy we scored some.

"I said it before, it's good to have a full pre-season with the team. I am getting closer with everyone."

Kasper Schmeichel also came off at half-time after an impressive introduction to the Celtic team. The former City goalkeeper twice denied Erling Haaland with last-ditch stops.

Rodgers said: "He's one of the best in that one-v-one moment, he makes himself so big, his timing and everything is good.

"That was a lovely introduction for him. He will understand as he goes along how much we need from. But his personality will be huge, not just for the team but for the club as well."

Luis Palma struck the winner for Celtic, who now go on to face Chelsea on Saturday night in the final match of their American tour.

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