Kasper Schmeichel Accused of “Causing Problems” in Celtic’s Derby Defeat

By
Aaron McGuire
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Soccer Football - Champions League - Celtic v BSC Young Boys - Celtic Park, Glasgow, Scotland, Britain - January 22, 2025 Celtic's Kasper Schmeichel reacts Action Images via Reuters/Lee Smith

Celtic’s 3-2 defeat to Rangers has sparked plenty of debate, and pundit Tam McManus has singled out two players for criticism—Kasper Schmeichel and Nicolas Kuhn.

Soccer Football – Champions League – Celtic v BSC Young Boys – Celtic Park, Glasgow, Scotland, Britain – January 22, 2025 Celtic’s Kasper Schmeichel before the match REUTERS/Russell Cheyne

McManus questioned the goalkeeper’s distribution and accused Kuhn of failing to step up to the challenge against Rangers left-back Ridvan Yilmaz. Posting on X (formerly Twitter), the former Hibs forward took aim at Celtic’s performance.

It wasn’t a vintage display from Schmeichel, with the veteran making some uncharacteristic errors, including a poor clearance early in the first half that nearly gifted Rangers a chance. The Dane has largely impressed since arriving at Celtic, but on Sunday, his composure was missing at key moments.

Kuhn has been one of Celtic’s standout performers in recent months, but he struggled to make an impact in the derby, with Ridvan Yilmaz winning the battle down the flank. It was no surprise to see him subbed off at half time.

Despite the defeat, Celtic remain in a strong position in the title race, with a 13-point lead at the top. However, Rodgers will demand a response from his squad after a disappointing performance in the derby.

Both Schmeichel and Kuhn have been key figures in Celtic’s success, but on Sunday, neither had their best game—and the fallout from the loss continues.

3 COMMENTS

  1. Celtic were set up to fail by Rodgers and the recruitment team.
    The three midfielders lack pace, they have virtually zero tackling ability, some of the passing is dire.
    So completely lacking in the engine room.
    Why Rodgers persistence with Kuhn who has one backwards is astonishing.
    Yang must get that position, he has pace, strength, good passing ability, and gets into scoring positions.
    Johnston is always slipping at the back, either wrong footwear or pitch is overwatered.
    My 3 biggest disappointments Are Engels, idah, Kuhn.
    2 of them were last minute summer signings, neither are good enough.
    People keep thinking Rodgers is some type of Maestro, I see him as a 1 tactic mgr, who can’t change.
    He plays his non performing favourites persistently.
    His tactic of pass pass pass is so boring and stops creativity.
    I hope he leaves soon and takes the high value buffoons with him.
    Some players tried to make a difference, they are exempt from any criticism.
    Several are not able to make a difference and have been named.

  3. Rodgers has always had one boring plan and if you get punched in the face, no plan B.

    Playing possession football is fair enough but going from the opponents box to to 15 backward passes is stupid and puts the defence and keeper under pressure, as does playing out when we are under the pump in our box. Safety first, get the ball away and let the defence regroup.

    There’s no real view to Europe. Are we getting to play that way against the best teams with individual players that cost more than our whole squad and get results?

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