Callum McGregor has moved quickly to defend Kasper Schmeichel after Celtic’s heavy defeat to Stuttgart.
The goalkeeper endured a difficult night at Celtic Park. A loose pass led to the opening goal and there were questions over his positioning for others. Sections of the crowd made their feelings known as the game drifted away from the Hoops.
Schmeichel has been a key player since arriving in Glasgow. He has produced big saves in important matches and brought experience to a defence that has often relied on his voice behind it. One bad night does not erase that.
McGregor, as captain, was asked about his team-mate’s display. He made it clear there would be no finger pointing inside the dressing room.
He said: (TNT Sports), “Everyone makes mistakes.
“Everyone is off nights and Kasper has been amazing since he’s come to the club. Really, really big part of our success. Big, big player in the dressing room for us as well.
“He’ll dust that down and go again. We’re always the same. Everyone is all in together.
“We win as a team and we lose as a team. There’s no blame in terms of any of the players looking at him, etc.
“He’s made so many big saves for us and like I said, he’ll bounce back for sure.”
McGregor’s point was simple. They stand together. No one player carries it on his own.
Celtic were cut open too easily against Stuttgart. Crosses came in without enough pressure, and runners were left free in the box.
It was not one moment that decided the game. Once Stuttgart found their rhythm, Celtic struggled to slow it down.
Hibernian on Sunday at Celtic Park now looms large. It will take a much stronger performance to win the game vs David Gray’s side.
Keep Reading
