Brendan Rodgers and Sebastian Tounekti’s mutual appreciation | OneFootball

Brendan Rodgers has praised new signing Sebastian Tounekti and the new Celtic star has also been speaking very highly of the Celtic manager as the team go through their final preparations for this evening’s Europa League opener in Belgrade…

Sebastian Tounekti during the Partick Thistle v Celtic. Premier Sports League Cup. Sunday 21 September. Photo Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)

“He’s so good,” the Celtic manager told Premier Sports on Sunday afternoon. “He’s got a bit of everything really. He can beat a man, he can run without the ball, can go either way. He can slip the runners in as well and and it’s nice for him to get his goals.

“It’s one of the things I said when he came in, he needs to improve his goals. A bit like Nicolas Kuhn and these guys, they they need to get into areas and and be really hungry to score.

“He took it well. It was really good, lovely touch behind. He links the game well and yeah, it was a good finish.”

Sebastian Tounekti at Rugby Park, Kilmarnock v Celtic, 14 September 2025. Photo Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)

Asked if that made him frustrated to not have the 23-year-old available for Kairat, he added: “Well, I think we all have seen that and I think everyone understands that, the board, us, everyone. But you can’t look back, we have to look forward and learn from that.”

And Sebastian Tounekti himself has spoken about how Brendan Rodgers’ approach at Celtic has allowed him to play with freedom, something he sees as a major factor behind his impressive start at the Hoops.

The Tunisian wide man opened his account for his new club in Sunday’s 4-0 victory against Scottish Championship side Partick Thistle and already appears to be adapting smoothly to Rodgers’ system.

Sebastian Tounekti at Firhill. Partick Thistle v Celtic. Premier Sports League Cup. Sunday 21 September. Photo Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)

Tounekti has quickly demonstrated the impact he can make, bringing speed and drive to Celtic’s forward play, something that was lacking prior to his arrival. The 23 year-old’s display against Thistle was highlighted by a composed strike just after half-time following a neat exchange with Kelechi Iheanacho.

Tounekti credited Rodgers and his teammates for easing his adjustment at his new club noting that the manager’s trust has boosted his confidence, while the backing from his teammates has also accelerated his adaptation to Scottish football.

Speaking via The National, Tounekti said: “It’s always nice to get your first goal. I think the first game was good, but my job is to contribute with goals and assists and it’s always nice to get started on that. So, I’m very pleased.”

“[The manager] gives me a lot of freedom, just to do what I am doing. That is to help the team, to create chances and to create goals and to beat players. I am pleased with that. I just want to help the team as much as possible.”

“But it’s been a big help from my team-mates and from the coaches. It’s been really good, they help me a lot,” he added. “It’s been really easy to come into the group and to settle in. Especially the playing style, it’s really suiting me. I’m just enjoying it.”

Sebastian Tounekti scores during the Partick Thistle v Celtic. Premier Sports League Cup. Sunday 21 September. Photo Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)

Celtic’s Europa League campaign begins this evening with a tough trip to Red Star Belgrade, and Tounekti appears poised to make his mark on the European stage. With his speed and attacking confidence, he could become a key factor for Rodgers’ men tonight as they look to get off the mark in the 36-team format with three points that would be very welcome indeed.

Conor Spence

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