GLASGOW, Scotland – The weight of expectation, and increasingly, criticism, continues to fall on Celtic goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel after a dismal Europa League defeat to Stuttgart on Thursday. A 4-1 thrashing at Parkhead not only jeopardized the club’s chances of progressing in the competition but also ignited fresh scrutiny of the veteran shot-stopper’s recent form. The atmosphere was particularly fraught, with supporters voicing their discontent even before kickoff with protests against the club’s board, and later, ironically cheering Schmeichel after a save – a stark illustration of the complex emotions surrounding the player.
Schmeichel, a Premier League winner with Leicester City, has faced a growing chorus of disapproval in recent months, with errors creeping into his performances. Thursday’s match was the latest in a string of perceived missteps, following a looping header conceded against Kilmarnock last weekend and another goal allowed against Bologna last month, according to reports. The situation has prompted a strong response from within the Celtic camp, with teammates and management rallying to his defense.
Fans’ Frustration Boils Over
The jeers directed at Schmeichel during the Stuttgart match were described as “bitterly disappointing” by former Celtic captain and manager Neil Lennon. “He had a bad night but it still doesn’t warrant that kind of treatment,” Lennon said, as reported by the Daily Record. The reaction from the stands underscores the pressure Schmeichel is under to rediscover his best form for a club with high expectations.
The match itself saw Stuttgart take control early, with Bilal El Khannouss opening the scoring. Celtic’s hopes were further dashed by goals from Jamie Leweling and Tiago Tomás, ultimately leading to a 4-1 defeat. The Guardian reported that the result leaves Celtic facing a difficult task in the second leg.
Celtic Ranks Close Around Goalkeeper
Despite the criticism, Celtic’s interim manager Martin O’Neill was quick to defend Schmeichel and emphasize the collective responsibility for the team’s performance. “It’s a tough evening for us,” O’Neill stated. “On paper, 4-1 looks pretty poor. We were masters of our own downfall in many respects, conceded some poor goals.” He highlighted Schmeichel’s contributions since his arrival, recalling a crucial save against Feyenoord that helped secure their place in the Europa League knockout stages.
Captain Callum McGregor echoed O’Neill’s sentiments, stating, “Everyone makes mistakes. Kasper has been amazing since he’s arrive to the club. He’ll dust that down. We win as a team and lose as a team. There’s no blame, he’s made so many big saves for us. He’ll bounce back for sure.” Stiliyan Petrov, also offering his support, noted that Schmeichel was being unfairly singled out for blame, emphasizing that the entire team underperformed on the night, as reported by TNT Sports Football on TikTok.
What’s Next for Celtic and Schmeichel?
Celtic now face an uphill battle to overturn the 4-1 deficit in the second leg against Stuttgart. Beyond the immediate challenge of the Europa League, O’Neill acknowledged the broader issues facing the club, stating that they are “not there at this minute” to consistently compete deep into European competitions. The manager indicated he would be considering all options ahead of their upcoming match, but reiterated his faith in Schmeichel’s abilities.
The coming weeks will be crucial for both Celtic and Schmeichel. The team needs to find a way to rediscover its form, while the goalkeeper will be looking to silence his critics and reaffirm his position as a key player. The pressure is mounting, but the support of his teammates and management could prove vital in navigating this challenging period.
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