Celtic’s squad is filled with players who have dropped off in form.
For many members of Brendan Rodgers’ squad, there is a need for rapid improvement in results are to take a positive turn.
A summer transfer window which left Rodgers feeling ’empty’ hasn’t helped, but the issues go beyond that at this point.
The likes of Callum McGregor and Reo Hatate have not yet hit their best form this season, and after a dismal Europa League defeat against Braga, the spotlight is on them more than ever.
But for one radio pundit, one man hasn’t yet recovered from an incident which took place in a pivotal game last season.
Hugh Keevins on vital Celtic man’s form
At their best last season, Celtic were a joy to watch. Not only did they come within a penalty shootout of another treble after a dominant league season, but things got better in Europe too.
Going unbeaten at home in the League Phase of the Champions League paved the way for a knockout tie against Bayern Munich, in which the Hoops almost did the impossible.
READ MORE: Scotland midfielder laments Celtic ‘passing it around the back’ after Braga defeat
A number of Hoops players could do with rediscovering their form from that period – but Hugh Keevins has offered an explanation for one of them, citing a key incident from last season.
On Clyde Superscoreboard, Keevins said: “With regard to Schmeichel, I go back to the cup final against Aberdeen.
“Celtic didn’t win the treble because Schmeichel – people say the goalie threw one in – he did! Against Aberdeen, he literally did.
“And he’s never recovered from it. He does not look like the same confident goalkeeper that he was. But again, Brendan Rodgers brought Schmeichel to the club, has worked with him elsewhere and is deeply respectful of him.
“So he won’t just dump him, but he’s become a bit of a worry.”
Schmeichel’s error in the final led to the match entering extra time and eventually ending in a disastrous defeat for the Hoops, who had come in as huge favourites.
It was a dampener on what had largely been an excellent season for the experienced Denmark goalkeeper.
Should Brendan Rodgers drop Kasper Schmeichel?
Whether or not Rodgers should drop his number one is an interesting question.
Schmeichel’s experience, leadership and composure were integral for the side last season – in many areas, he was an upgrade on Joe Hart.
But what Schmeichel faces that Hart doesn’t is competition. Viljami Sinisalo is a highly-rated goalkeeper in his own right, and has impressed when given opportunities.
But as Keevins mentioned, Rodgers’ pre-existing relationship with Schmeichel casts serious doubt over whether he would truly consider dropping him.
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