As Celtic look to defend their title the margin for error is now razor-thin. A club with a storied history and a trophy-laden cabinet, expectations are perennially sky-high. However, the January transfer window has cast a shadow over the team’s aspirations, particularly in the left-back position, due to Greg Taylor’s unfortunate injury. Stepping into the breach is Alexandro Bernabei, the Argentinian defender whose recent performances have left much to be desired.
Bernabei, tasked with filling Taylor’s boots, has so far struggled to adapt to the rigours of Scottish football. In the last two fixtures, his contributions—or lack thereof—have been glaringly evident. Against Aberdeen, his lapses were not just minor blips but significant errors that directly contributed to the opposition’s goal. Bernabei’s lack of positional awareness, coupled with his subpar passing and crossing ability, has raised serious questions about his suitability for Celtic’s high-octane style of play.
The decision by Celtic’s management not to bolster their left-back options in the January transfer window is now looking increasingly like a grave miscalculation. With the league title hanging in the balance, the ramifications of this oversight could be far-reaching. Brendan Rodgers faces a dilemma. Persisting with Bernabei risks further points being dropped—a scenario Celtic can ill afford. Yet, the alternatives are hardly encouraging. With B team left back Mitchell Frame sidelined through injury and Anthony Ralston—a natural right-back—being the only viable option, Celtic’s lack of depth is starkly evident.
This predicament is not just a reflection of a failed transfer strategy but a broader issue of squad planning and management. The possibility of deploying Ralston out of position is a stop-gap solution at best, underscoring a glaring oversight in ensuring positional coverage and depth in the squad.
As things stand, Celtic’s vulnerabilities are laid bare for all to see. The once impenetrable fortress that won the treble nine months ago seems to have developed cracks, not just on the pitch but in the strategic planning off it. The implications of these oversights are not just immediate but could have lasting effects on the team’s ambitions and confidence.
Alexandro is a symptom, not a cause of Celtic’s ills, but if you see him in the starting XI on Wednesday night and beyond, you should be concerned.
I thought he played well, was constantly put under pressure from scales passing to him when there was an Aberdeen player on him, made a mistake in their 18 years box…i don’t blame him for the goal, where was the positioning of the midfield and scales again.. Who should be dropped!
Don’t bum Taylor up. He should have been upgraded on ages ago. That is Celtic and our ridiculous skimping cash.
Rodgers is the person to blame, I was going to say man to blame but a man would have come to the club and demanded players during the summer, the winter window only brought more unknowns, jury is still out on their ability.
Rodgers left a team in decline back when he decided to run away, he was same gutless mgr with rank tactics, Lennon came in and finished us off.
Ange put in a winning formula and unfortunately he is now history.
Ange seems to have left after the resurrection of Lawell, Lawell is Celtics biggest problem, he needs to go along with other directors, Rodgers and the laptop lackies we call coaches.
Time for positive change at Celtic,.
Should DD not fulfill this then it’s down to the fans to cease any further purchases from the club, ticket money, merchandise, award events.
DD has to know the scale of his errors in being aloof from the running of the club.
Rodgers, directors, and if DD does nothing he can also sell up and go.
Just my opinion, however I’m sure many fans feel much the same.
Bernabei has never had a fair run, the lad knows he’s not wanted by Rodgers, other players are in same situation.
We the fans must support every player on the pitch.
Rodgers is yesterday’s man like many coaches who get the jobs on previous good work but now not with it .The players at Celtic don’t seem to be taking to Rodgers tactics and his brand of football that’s part of the problem we have also missed the players who have left from last season and Ange”and the poor replacements and coach all down to Desmond and lawell it’s not looking good so far.