Celtic have confirmed their pre-season plans, including a return to Portugal to mark the 60th anniversary of the Lisbon Lions' European Cup triumph. The Scottish champions will face Sporting Lisbon in a glamour friendly at the Estadio Algarve on July 14 as part of a week-long training camp in the country.
Pre-Season Schedule
The Hoops will begin their preparations with a trip to Ireland to face Shelbourne at Tolka Park in Dublin on July 7. This marks the fourth consecutive season Celtic have played a friendly in Ireland. Following that, the squad will travel to Portugal for a training camp at the Cidade do Futebol, the headquarters of the Portugal national team, located near the Estadio Nacional where Celtic won the European Cup in 1967.
During their stay in Portugal, Celtic will take on Sporting Lisbon on July 14. At least one behind-closed-doors friendly is also expected to be arranged. The club has already confirmed a home friendly against Italian giants AC Milan on July 25 at Celtic Park, seven days before the start of the new Premiership season.
Champions League Preparations
The pre-season fixtures are crucial for Celtic as they gear up for a £40 million Champions League play-off. The team is currently without a permanent manager following the departure of Ange Postecoglou, but preparations continue under the guidance of the coaching staff.
A club statement said: "Celtic’s pre-season plans are taking shape, with two more fixtures announced on the back of the home game against AC Milan on July 25. The Scottish Double winners will head over to Ireland again for the fourth season in a row, and this summer the Hoops will take on Shelbourne on July 7 at Tolka Park in Drumcondra, Dublin, where a strong Celtic support will again be there to back the team."
The statement added: "Celtic will then head out to Portugal for a training camp, which will culminate in a match against Sporting Lisbon on July 14 at the Estádio Algarve. Portugal is the perfect destination to prepare for a season in which the club will be celebrating the 60th anniversary of the historic 1966/67 season throughout the forthcoming campaign."
Celtic will look to defend their Premiership title and make an impact in the Champions League, with these friendlies providing vital match fitness and team cohesion.
