Celtic need to up the ante when the players return from the international break.
In the overall picture, Celtic have been pretty poor this season, and only very few players, such as Sebastian Tounekti, can hold their heads up high.
Tounekti wasn’t signed when Celtic were knocked out of the Champions League, but many think things would have been different had he been brought in earlier.
Whilst the Tunisia international has made a positive start to life at Celtic Park, Charlie Mulgrew has noticed an issue.
Sebastian Tounekti falling into the Celtic trap?
From a defensive standpoint, Celtic are pretty strong and not many have complaints; it’s the midfield and forward line that have been the issue.
Mulgrew expressed worry at Tounekti getting sucked into the ‘slow’ and ‘pedestrian’ nature in which Celtic have been playing for large parts of this season, as he told talkSPORT.
“It hasn’t been a great season in the final third, mainly,” said Mulgrew. “Defensively, they have been brilliant. Conceded one or two goals this season. Solid.
“But going forward in the final third, they just can’t seem to score a goal. Or create a lot of chances. Or score enough.
“You think of Celtic. You think of free-flowing goals. Four or five. Creating a lot of chances and scoring goals. You just aren’t seeing that from Celtic. Although they scored three at the weekend, they just don’t look like that team.
“Against Partick Thistle, Tounekti comes in, the left winger, the player they have been crying out for. He looks brilliant, and you go, ‘here we go. This is the start of something, and a player that’s needed.’
“He has a couple of decent games, then kind of falls away again. Falls into that pattern of slow and pedestrian play in the final.”
How Celtic replaced Nicolas Kuhn and Kyogo Furuhashi
Everyone with a Celtic association is aware of the gripe the fans, and even Brendan Rodgers, have with the board and how the 2025 summer transfer window panned out.
But even former Premier League striker Gabby Agbonlahor has noticed how poor Celtic were at replacing Nicolas Kuhn and Kyogo Furuhashi.
Agbonlahor noted how well Kuhn played at Celtic, but then was let go in such a feeble manner.
“You are hoping now they go on a wee run, and get them goals,” added Mulgrew. “I can’t put my finger on what that is.”
Agbonlahor: “Looking at last season, and Kuhn, he was a joy to watch. Champions League, he was turning up for Celtic. Kyogo, who went to Blues (via Rennes). Losing those players, is that the frustration from Celtic fans. Losing your top players, and not maybe bringing in the same quality?!”
Mulgrew: “I think that is the frustration. Them players leaving. Two big players. Goalscorers. Goal contributions.
“And then taking time to bring Iheanacho in, who looks like a right good player. Tounekti comes in on the left wing. But it has taken time to bring these players in.
“Hopefully, they find their feet and go on a bit of a run.”
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