Stiliyan Petrov noticed something ‘really confusing’ about Celtic against Red Star Belgrade
Celtic legend Stiliyan Petrov was concerned about Celtic’s first-half showing during their 1-1 draw with Red Star Belgrade in the Europa League.
Celtic, who are above Hearts only on goal difference, kicked off their Europa League campaign away in Belgrade on Wednesday.
Sebastian Tounekti impressed Kris Boyd during Celtic’s 2-1 win over Kilmarnock in the Scottish Premiership last time out, with Brendan Rodgers’ side returning to winning ways.
Celtic haven’t set the world alight in the early part of the season, with head coach Rodgers facing heavy criticism.
Stiliyan Petrov blasts Celtic’s lack of energy vs Red Star Belgrade
Celtic didn’t help their case in their opening Europa League match, with former midfielder Stiliyan Petrov being left baffled.
Speaking on TNT Sports’ coverage of Celtic’s 1-1 draw away to Red Star Belgrade, Petrov said: “There’s no energy from Celtic. It’s really confusing, it’s like players are waiting for someone else to take responsibility.”
It was a tough night for Celtic, and Daizen Maeda, who played as a lone forward, only had eight touches in the first half of the match.
Celtic return to Scottish Premiership action on Saturday as they welcome Hibernian to Celtic Park.
Tam McManus shares his worries about Celtic
Former Hibernian player Tam McManus was also a vocal critic of Celtic’s showing in Belgrade.
Celtic this season a very hard watch in Europe. No cutting edge or creativity whatsoever in the final 3rd. This is what happens when you dont have a proper number 9 or a creative midfielder. 😴
— Tam McManus (@The_Tman10) September 24, 2025
McManus wrote on X, saying: “Celtic this season are a very hard watch in Europe. No cutting edge or creativity whatsoever in the final 3rd.
| Celtic’s start to the season | Scoreline |
| Celtic vs St. Mirren | 1-0 |
| Aberdeen vs Celtic | 0-2 |
| Celtic vs Livingstone | 3-0 |
| Rangers vs Celtic | 0-0 |
| Kilmarnock vs Celtic | 1-2 |
“This is what happens when you don’t have a proper number 9 or a creative midfielder,” he continued.
Saturday’s fixture against Hibernian will see Celtic hoping to gain an advantage over Hibs’ Edinburgh rivals Hearts, who play Falkirk, and are currently neck and neck in the title race with the Bhoys.