Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou admits Saturday evening's friendly against Preston was a "struggle" ahead of next week's European test.
The Australian manager took charge of his first match at Parkhead but saw his team fall to a 1-0 defeat as Ben Whiteman's penalty proved the difference.
Pre-season is all about performances over results but Postecoglou wasn't all too impressed by his side's showing either, though he insisted it wasn't a worry before the Tuesday Champions League clash.
He can only hope for better next time out as Midtjylland lie in wait in the second qualifying round.
Speaking to Premier Sports, he said: "It wasn’t a great game for us. We didn’t get a grip on the game and lost the structure a bit and it was a struggle.
"It’s not about being worried, I just wanted a better performance today.
"The players are working hard at training and going through a heavy workload so they aren’t going to be the sharpest they can be but just go to keep going.
"I don’t think it was intensity, I just think we lost a little of belief after we didn’t get off to a good start.
"It’s such a young group out there and we couldn’t get a grip on the game."
Postecoglou was also insistent that the friendly wasn't an audition for new man Liel Abada, who made his Celtic debut in the second half having signed on Wednesday.
The Israeli looked bright but his boss was guarded when asked if he'll feature on Tuesday against the Danes.
Postecoglou added: "He did alright, he’s been with us a day so we just wanted to give him a bit of a run out. He wasn’t there to be judged, he was just there to get to know the group.
"We'll see. Like I said, we've got a few adjustments today that will be available on Tuesday."
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