Nicolas Kuhn departed Celtic last summer, but his move to Como hasn’t exactly gone according to plan. His manager, Cesc Fabregas, has issued him a stark message should he make his way back into the team.
The winger‘s electric form last season saw him make the move to Italy’s top-flight. 36 goal contributions in 51 games, including three in the Champions League, saw him depart the Hoops in a £17 million deal.
He’s made 16 appearances for Como since his move, with 11 of them coming from the bench. Now his manager, midfield legend Cesc Fabregas, has told him to improve.
He said (Daily Record):
“I’ll wait for you and give you more opportunities, yes, but you show me more in training.”
A short but simple message to Kuhn, and one that will see him sink or swim at the Italian side, who are currently sixth in Serie A.
His brace for the Hoops against RB Leipzig in last season’s Champions League campaign signalled a turning point in form, going on to score against Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena in the playoff round 11 months ago.
Kuhn’s ability couldn’t simply have vanished. Wingers do not lose that overnight. But the message from his manager is clear enough. Past form, even Champions League nights, means nothing in the present.
From a Celtic point of view, this is also a reminder of how well the club timed his sale. For Kuhn, the challenge is simple and brutal. Match what he did in Glasgow, not in highlights, but in work rate and sharpness every single session. Until then, the bench is where he stays.
Perhaps Celtic will give it another six months before trying to bring him back to Glasgow for a cut price, or even a loan. That seems to be the model now, after all.
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