Brendan Rodgers future in doubt – 5 things learned from Celtic’s defeat to Kairat Almaty
Celtic suffered an embarrassing exit in the Champions League on penalties to Kairat Almaty that further highlighted Brendan Rodgers’ concerns over the Hoops’ lack of transfer business.
After a 0-0 first leg between the teams in Glasgow, Celtic travelled to Kazakhstan for a crucial tie to determine their Champions League fate.
Celtic’s lack of attacking threat though meant the match remained goalless after 120 minutes of action, with penalties deciding the outcome.
Adam Idah, Luke McCowan and Daizen Maeda all missed penalties in the shootout as Celtic drop down to the Europa League.
Here are five things we learned from a dismal evening for Celtic.
Brendan Rodgers must be backed
In a match short of quality, a lack of transfer activity from Celtic was further highlighted, and now the Hoops have crashed out of the Champions League it appears evident that reinforcements must be brought in.
Uruguayan left-back Marcelo Saracchi is close to joining Celtic, whilst Royal Antwerp winger Michel-Ange Balikwisha also looks to be an imminent arrival in Glasgow.
Whilst another winger and cover for Kieran Tierney at left-back is crucial pieces of business, Idah’s poor start to the season means a proven striker is urgently needed.
Football Insider exclusively revealed that Celtic were to make a move for Lorient striker Sambou Soumano whilst free agent Jamie Vardy is also an option being explored.
Questions to remain on Brendan Rodgers’ future
Rodgers has insisted that he will not walk away from Celtic mid-way through the season, but the poor quality on show and a current lack of backing in the market to make his side competitive in the league stages must make him think about a possible exit.
His departure to Leicester City in his first spell did not go down well with the Celtic support, though if progress in the Champions League cannot be made then what is there left to achieve at the club for Rodgers?
Lack of squad depth a concern
Amid his need to be backed in the transfer market, Rodgers did not make a substitution until the 70th minute.
Idah and midfielder Arne Engels came on, but their arrivals into the match did little to swing the momentum of the tie in Celtic’s favour.
Both players arrived at Celtic Park for hefty fees and their lack of impact on proceedings will have frustrated Rodgers, whilst some supporters may believe money has been wasted on the pair.
Saracchi’s arrival will be well-timed as the third substitution saw Tierney replaced by Dane Murray and centre-back Liam Scales shifted to left-back.
Daizen Maeda continues to struggle
With Idah on the bench, Maeda was trusted with leading the line, and when the Irishman came onto the pitch, the Japanese international returned to his favoured position on the left flank.
In both positions though Maeda was ineffective and the 27-year-old has only managed one goal in all competitions so far this season.
Maeda spurned Celtic’s golden chance to win the tie in the 90 minutes when he raced beyond the Kairat Almaty defence and only had the goalkeeper to beat and blazed his shot over the crossbar.
Celtic need Maeda to step up if the Hoops are to rediscover their best form, as the winger’s blistering pace is threatening against every opponent.
Yang cannot cut it on biggest stage
Yang has come in for criticism for his performances this season and Rodgers does not seem to overly trust the winger and is playing him out of necessity more than anything.
The South Korean was not in the game and did not have any attacking impact and was substituted off alongside fellow winger James Forrest, whose own contribution was also minimal.
In the Champions League, Yang has shown that he is a player that cannot start for Celtic.
Norwich City were interested in Yang, but a deal never materialised and if Celtic do sign a couple of new forwards before the transfer window shuts then the 23-year-old may be one player that leaves.