QUIZZED OFF
Awkward moment Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers & Kasper Schmeichel respond to bizarre question as fans say it’s ‘incredible’
Rodgers was also asked about the future of star man Matt O'Riley
CELTIC are gearing up to take on Manchester City in a huge glamour friendly in the United States.
But boss Brendan Rodgers and new signing Kasper Schmeichel were left somewhat speechless after fielding a bizarre pre-match question.
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The Scottish champions and English champions will face-off in the stunning 50,000-seater Kenan Stadium in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
It's the second of three matches Celtic will play during their US tour.
Manager Rodgers and new No1 goalkeeper Schmeichel were on media duties last night to build-up to the game.
And they fielded one rather unexpected question!
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It was one that left Rodgers somewhat unusually speechless, while fans reckon Schmeichel was trying his best not to laugh.
A local American reporter decided to ask a question about "rivalries".
He asked: "People around here in the Raleigh area think of rivalries, UNC, Duke vs NC State, the college towns.
"So how would you describe the rivalry with Manchester City, if there is one?"
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Rodgers took a few seconds to compose an answer, before clarifying: "What, between Celtic and Manchester City?"
The reporter confirmed: "Yes."
Sunsport's Gareth Law reports from a rain-hit Celtic training session ahead of the clash with Man City
Rodgers, with a big smile on his face, then said: "Yeah, there's no rivalry, no."
Schmeichel also grinned as his boss answered the question.
Rodgers continued: "There's no rivalry. It's just a fantastic game for us to play, there's a friendship there between both clubs that's been there for many years.
"Kasper started at Manchester City so it's a special game for him as well but I think for us it'll be great to see Pep having worked against him in the Premier League but most importantly for us, it's our fifth game in our preparation phase and we'll be working very hard to get everything out of it that we need to."
Of course, there is no rivalry between the sides and they've only faced off twice in their history.
The Hoops and City were drawn against each other in the Champions League group stage during the 2016/17 season.
That was Rodgers' first season in charge of Celtic and Guardiola's first at City.
Celtic held City to two draws in the group, a 3-3 thriller in Glasgow and a 1-1 tie in Manchester.
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The question didn't go unnoticed by Celtic fans watching the press conference and they took to social media to comment on it.
One Hoops fan said: "Brendan's double take. Just absolutely box office really."
A second added: "Looks like Kasper is trying his hardest not to burst out laughing."
A third commented: "A world famous rivalry - Celtic v Manchester City."
Another posted: "The rivalry between Celtic and City? This American journalist definitely did not do his research!"
A fifth said: "The rivalry between Celtic and Man City question is incredible."
It should also be clarified that the reporter did add "if there is one" onto his question - so he wasn't absolutely suggesting there WAS an existing rivalry between the clubs.
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Rodgers also fielded a question on Matt O'Riley's future amid intensifying transfer interest in the Celtic star.
The Parkhead boss insisted he's "relaxed" over the situation.
Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page