Nicolas Kuhn’s Celtic Form Dips: Brendan Rodgers Offers Support Amid Growing Scrutiny
As Celtic prepare for a critical final stretch of the 2024/25 campaign, questions are mounting over the form of Nicolas Kuhn — a player who, not long ago, was being hailed as the spark Celtic had been missing on the right flank. Since the turn of the year, however, the German winger’s influence has diminished significantly, prompting public criticism from pundits and growing unease among fans. Yet amid the scrutiny, manager Brendan Rodgers has moved to protect and support his player, underlining both the pressures Kuhn has faced and the belief the club still has in him.
Electric Start to Life at Celtic
When Kuhn arrived from Rapid Wien for £2.8 million last summer, he was seen as a low-risk, high-upside acquisition. Celtic had struggled for consistent production on the right wing, and Kuhn quickly looked like the answer. With his direct running, sharp technical ability, and growing understanding of Brendan Rodgers’ system, he hit the ground running. By January, Kuhn had tallied 15 goal contributions in 17 league appearances — a return that placed him among the top contributors in the Premiership.
His performances in the Champions League also drew attention. Though Celtic were up against tough European opposition, Kuhn frequently looked like one of the few players unfazed by the occasion. His display against Bayern Munich was especially encouraging, where he scored and looked like a genuine threat down the flank. At that point, Kuhn’s stock was rising rapidly, and there was already talk among the fanbase about him being one of the signings of the season.
Post-January Struggles and Growing Criticism
Since the winter break, however, things have changed. Kuhn’s influence has waned noticeably. He’s no longer creating as frequently, his decision-making has become more hesitant, and his confidence appears to have taken a hit. His last goal contribution came in that memorable Champions League night against Bayern — a match that now feels like a distant memory.
In recent weeks, Kuhn has been substituted at half-time in two massive matches — the Glasgow Derby against Rangers, and the away slip-up against St Johnstone. Both decisions raised eyebrows. Being hooked at the interval in a derby is rare and symbolic; it suggests a lack of impact or, more seriously, a lack of trust in the player’s ability to influence the game under pressure.
Former Celtic striker and outspoken pundit Chris Sutton didn’t hold back in his assessment. He publicly questioned Kuhn’s attitude and warned that his transfer value and career trajectory could suffer if he doesn’t turn things around quickly. Sutton’s comments, while blunt, echo a growing concern that Kuhn is struggling to cope with the relentless demands of playing for a club where every game matters.
Rodgers Defends Kuhn: A “Really, Really Long Season”
Brendan Rodgers, however, has taken a more measured approach. In his Friday press conference ahead of the Kilmarnock fixture, Rodgers addressed Kuhn’s form and reiterated his belief in the player.
“Yeah, it is [a difficult moment],” Rodgers admitted, “but Nicolas has got fantastic ability, he’s a good guy and probably one of those players coming off the back of this with the most games he’s ever played, the most intensity he’s played in, the most goals he’s scored.”
Rodgers made a crucial point: this is the most demanding season Kuhn has experienced. Before joining Celtic, Kuhn had never played in such a physically intense league or been part of a club where the pressure to perform — both domestically and in Europe — was constant. The mental and physical toll of that transition cannot be overstated. Some players adapt quickly; others need more time. Kuhn’s sharp decline in form may well be down to simple fatigue, compounded by the weight of expectations and the non-stop nature of the Scottish football calendar.
“It’s been a really, really long season for the likes of him,” Rodgers continued. “And he’s been outstanding for us. But yeah, listen, my priority is always the players. I’m always there to give them support, to give them the little jolt that they need, to put an arm around them and protect them when it’s needed.”
Rodgers’ response speaks volumes about his managerial style. Where some managers might publicly chastise underperforming players, Rodgers tends to protect them in the media, while demanding improvement behind closed doors. It’s a balancing act — one that aims to preserve a player’s confidence while still holding them accountable. But make no mistake: while Rodgers is backing Kuhn publicly, he’ll be fully aware that his current form isn’t good enough for a title run-in.
A Selection Dilemma: Persisting Out of Necessity
Ordinarily, a manager might consider taking a struggling player out of the spotlight. A brief spell on the bench can sometimes do wonders for confidence. But in Kuhn’s case, Rodgers’ options are limited.
Yang Hyun-jun, who has been Kuhn’s main competition on the right flank, is currently sidelined with injury. Daizen Maeda, who can also play wide, is now being used through the middle due to a shortage of natural strikers. That leaves Kuhn as the only fit and natural right-winger available — which means Rodgers has little choice but to continue playing him, even if he’d prefer to manage his minutes more carefully.
This situation has echoes of previous seasons, where injuries have forced Celtic into tactical compromises. It’s not ideal, especially at a stage in the campaign when consistency and form can be the difference between winning and losing titles. And while Kuhn’s struggles are under the microscope, it’s worth noting that Jota — playing on the opposite flank — also hasn’t replicated the magic of his first spell in Glasgow. Celtic’s wide players as a whole haven’t been firing on all cylinders.
What Comes Next? Make-or-Break Weeks Ahead
The coming weeks could define Kuhn’s Celtic career. If he can dig deep, find his confidence again, and deliver in big moments, all will be forgiven — and his early-season exploits will be remembered as a true sign of his quality. But if the struggles continue, Celtic may have to reevaluate their options on the right wing in the summer.
There’s already a growing belief that reinforcements will be needed regardless. A club like Celtic, with ambitions in Europe and high standards domestically, can’t afford to rely on just two players for such a key position. The hope, of course, is that Kuhn will come through this rough patch stronger and more mature, learning what it truly takes to thrive at a club of this size.
Rodgers is clearly committed to helping him do just that. But football is a results-driven business. The goodwill from a strong first half of the season will only last so long if the performances don’t pick up soon.
For now, Kuhn retains the manager’s trust. But with titles on the line and critics circling, he must prove he deserves it.
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