PATRYK KLIMALA started his first game for Celtic on Sunday against Clyde with the striker failing to hit the back of the net.
That’s all you need in Scottish football to have some supporters and pundits call him a dud straight off the bat. It’s crazy to think how little time you get to adapt to a new country, new tactics, new training before people start judging – but that’s the nature of the beast.
John Kennedy had to come out after the game and defend Patryk for not scoring on his first start for the club and made it clear where he’s at in his development.
The Polish forward had a good chance to open his Celtic account but was denied by the goalkeeper. Kennedy knows there’s a learning curve and wants to keep the pressure off Patryk while he gets up to speed.
“Patryk is obviously still settling in but it was an opportunity to get him out playing.” Kennedy told SUNSPORT.
“He’s a good size and has good speed, it just takes time.
“He did fine. He had a good chance and probably on another day he would score.
“But he just needs to settle in and not put too much pressure on himself.
“Odsonne Edouard and Leigh Griffiths have been terrific of late.
“So Patryk and Bayo have been fighting it out for the third and fourth position.
“We just need to give him time. The intensity of training and the way we work is something he’ll need to get used to.
“But as time progresses he’ll get up to speed.
“It’s a step up in level from Poland and there are the demands, the physicality and speed, which takes some adjustment.”
The bhoys ran out 3-0 winners against Clyde with goals from Olivier Ntcham, Scott Brown and Vakoun Bayo.
Watched the game and thought Patrick done well. Credit to the Clyde keeper for his save. Did King Henryk score in his first game?????