Brentford Manager Uwe Rösler described his side’s pre-season friendly against Celtic as a “very good test”.
The Bees were beaten 2-1 by the Scottish Premier League Champions at Griffin Park in front of a crowd of more than 8,000.
Adam Forshaw put Brentford in front and the hosts dominated for most of the match but Celtic struck two clinical goals to take the win.
Uwe said the challenge of the match was far more severe than most his team would face this season and praised the players for their performance.
He said his team should probably have at least drawn the match but he was happy with the way his squad was shaping up two weeks before the start of the Sky Bet League One season on August 3.
“It was a very good test for us,” said Uwe, speaking to Bees Player after the final whistle.
“The tempo we had to play to keep up with Celtic, particularly in the first 60 minutes, was not the norm.
“I don’t think we will face that sort of tempo in League One.
“The players did remarkably well.
“We had a few out but the players that played today did themselves justice and put players who played in their position last season under real pressure.
“That’s all I can wish.
“I am happy with the squad, we need one or two additions but, overall, the mood is fantastic, everyone is pushing each other and so far we have had a great pre-season.
“We had 25 attempts on goal compared to ten for them.
“We should have scored in the second half; we had a number of big chances.
“But when you don’t put them away – we had the same last year – sometimes you get punished.
“Celtic are a very good side, it was a very good test.
“I am thankful for Neil Lennon for bringing a team here so we could experience this day with their supporters.
“It was a fantastic test for us and I think Neil got a lot out of it.”
Harlee Dean had to be substituted during the second half and Uwe said Brentford would have to see how the central defender was next week.
He added other injured players who had missed recent matches were on their way back to fitness.
The Brentford boss admitted harder pre-season games – like ones against Millwall last Tuesday and Cardiff City coming up at the end of the month – meant injuries could happen but he would rather that than a gentle programme of games which could mean lost points in the League One season.
“It is always a downside of playing intense games,” said Uwe.
“Last year we did not play intense games because of the Olympic Games, we did not have a good start to the season but we had no injuries.
“This year we have played tough opposition and in those sorts of games things can happen.
“We have to wait and see how Harlee is but someone else will come in.
“We have had a few players injured – like Simon Moore, Will Grigg, Clayton Donaldson – they are not being rested.
“But they are on the way back and we will see after the weekend where they are.
“After next week we have a bit of time to prepare for the match against Cardiff.
“The fitness part of the season is done, now we need to tune up the technical and tactical stuff.”
Development Squad players Josh Clarke and Emmanuel Oyeleke were involved against the Scottish title holders while Jack Bonham, who has played one Football League game, was in goal.
“We want to create a path from our Youth Team to the First Team,” said Uwe.
“The measurement for all the players should be their quality and based on consistent performances in the Youth Team or Development team.
“We have had Josh Clarke for a while; he has made a good impression and got a chance today.
“We are increasing the squad this year and it will be harder for the young players to get through but there were chances for some today and they used it very well.”
Uwe added he wanted one or two more players to complete his squad.
“We are working consistently,” he said.
“The transfer window is open for a while and we are in no rush.
“We want someone of the right quality at the right price.
“That is what we are looking for at the moment.
“One or two more additions and I will be very happy.”
Bees Player subscribers can see a full video interview with Uwe Rösler here.