Kasper Schmeichel has opened up on the impact of fan support and criticism, following a difficult spell earlier this season at Celtic.
The goalkeeper endured a tough night during the 4-1 defeat to VfB Stuttgart, where sections of the support voiced their frustration.
Schmeichel was at fault for some of the goals, and the reaction was noticeable.
He was then absent for the return leg, with his injury now kicking in. Viljami Sinisalo stepped in and kept a clean sheet in a 1-0 win. He’s been ever-present ever since stepping into the net at Parkhead.
Schmeichel’s final appearance came in a 2-1 defeat to Hibernian, a match sandwiched between the Europa League tie.
Reflecting on that period, Schmeichel didn’t shy away from the emotional side of the game.
“I am a sensitive guy. I hear a lot of stuff and I feed off that energy, no question – both positive and negative. But the energy the fans can bring is so important.
“When you play at Celtic Park and they are with you, you are unstoppable. You stand in that goal and you feel the atmosphere, you feel the drive.
“I’d hate to be an opposition player there because that is the ultimate weapon Celtic have – that unity and that support. When all that is buzzing, you have won before you go on the pitch, practically. But that is what Celtic is.” [Celtic TV]
The Dane acknowledged the criticism but chose to focus on the bigger picture.
There have been many examples this season when his shoulder was impacting his performances, but he chose to push on and try to continue playing.
It had the potential to be a big year for the Keeper, with a World Cup this summer.
Ultimately, his injury worsened, and he could not continue playing on; Denmark failed to qualify for the World Cup.
Keep Reading
One Response
he done well for Celtic in a important position no hiding place being a goalkeeper theres a 10men on the pitch that teams have to pass before they get to goalkeeper but if they get the ball in the net goalkeeper gets it how many teams have scored with our outfield players giving ball away Smichelles can hold his head up high he was brilliant thanks and our new goalkeeper will tell you how much he has learned from past goalkeeper