Nicolas Kuhn says things will be “a little bit different” for him at Celtic in the coming season after not quite making the impact he’d have liked last term.
Kuhn arrived in January as a £3m signing from Rapid Vienna and showed flashes of ability across 18 appearances, without providing any real consistency.
He did score a crucial goal to earn a point at Pittodrie, also netting in the Scottish Cup semi-final as well as a home win against St Johnstone.
Hopes are high that he can now kick on and produce for the Bhoys after a period of adjustment, which included recovering from surgery in the weeks leading up to his transfer.
After putting in extra training work during his holiday period, Kuhn says that his Celtic career is only now beginning.
Nicolas Kuhn eager to make Celtic impact
He said [Daily Mail]: “By the end of the season, I had put the weight back on, but I was still at a new club in a new country. Also, when I came in, it wasn’t an easy moment for the whole club.
“I knew it was going to be important for me to come back for a full pre-season and start from the beginning with the rest of the team. So, it’s going to be a little bit different this year.
“I went for a couple of days to Greece and then back to Germany. I’ve always been in contact with my personal trainer back in Germany over the summer and he has been in touch with the people at Celtic. It was perfect. They sent me a plan and I did all the work during my vacation so that I’m prepared.
“Sometimes you can eat a burger or something like that, but it wasn’t the main dish! I’m in a good place and the summer was good, but now I’m here to get back to work.
“It feels like my Celtic career starts now. That is the goal. I just want to have a good pre-season, stay fit, and show everyone. I hope it’s time for the real thing after the introduction.”
Kuhn must aim for a double-digit Celtic season
To be a successful winger at Celtic you have to produce consistently in the final third. The most acclaimed wide talents at the Bhoys in recent years, such as Jota and Liel Abada, hit double-figures for goals or assists – and ideally both.
With so much possession and territory in domestic matches, Celtic provide ample opportunity for attackers to create and score goals. It’s a must for Kuhn over the next 12 months if he’s to have a successful Bhoys career.
Brendan Rodgers believes in his ability but he won’t persist with the German if he isn’t pulling his weight, especially if the club go out and bring another quality attacker to the club this summer.
Kuhn seems intent on making this impact and hopefully all the work he’s done to prepare himself pays off for the player and the club.
Receive a digest of our best Celtic content each week direct to your mailbox
