Nicolas Kuhn’s Rollercoaster Season at Celtic: From Early Struggles to Late-Season Resurgence
When Nicolas Kuhn tucked away his second goal against Dundee United at the weekend, it wasn’t just the net that rippled. The entire Celtic support felt the weight of a player breaking through self-doubt, media criticism, and the burden of expectation. His celebration—filled with raw emotion—was a visceral display of a footballer who had found his rhythm again, one who had weathered the storm and emerged stronger on the other side.
For many players, joining a club like Celtic is a dream come true. But dreams come with pressure, and for Kuhn, that pressure became very real, very quickly.
A Rocky Start in Paradise
When Kuhn signed from Rapid Wien in January 2024, there was cautious optimism. He had shown flashes of potential in Austria—quick feet, flair on the wing, and a willingness to take players on—but transitioning from the Austrian Bundesliga to the white-hot intensity of Scottish football is never straightforward. Celtic fans, used to a conveyor belt of attacking talent, expected immediate impact. Kuhn, however, struggled to adapt.
Pat Bonner, a man who knows what it takes to succeed at Celtic Park, spoke honestly about his early impressions of the German winger. “I was critical when he first came to the club,” Bonner said on BBC Sport. “I didn’t think he did enough.” Bonner’s words weren’t meant to tear Kuhn down but reflected a broader concern among supporters: was this another talented player who might fade under the glare of the spotlight?
Those doubts weren’t unfounded. Kuhn’s early performances were tentative. He would beat a man, only to deliver a poor final ball. He would drift in and out of games. At times, he looked like a player trying too hard, overthinking every move rather than trusting his instincts.
But behind the scenes, Kuhn was working tirelessly. Rodgers and his coaching staff reportedly spent hours with him in video sessions, breaking down footage and helping him understand the tempo and tactical discipline required at Celtic. Teammates encouraged him, sensing his desire to contribute and the frustration he felt at not hitting the ground running.
The Breakout: Kuhn Comes Alive
By the latter stages of the 2023/24 season and heading into the new campaign, Kuhn began to flourish. Confidence is everything in football, and once he notched a few goals and assists, his play became electric. He started taking on defenders with swagger, cutting inside and curling efforts on goal, linking up with teammates, and tracking back defensively when needed. He wasn’t just surviving in Scottish football—he was thriving.
The transformation was stark. A player who looked lost in his early days was now one of Celtic’s most potent weapons. Before the turn of the year, Kuhn was unplayable at times. Whether it was domestic fixtures or European nights, he brought flair and unpredictability to Celtic’s attack. In a team that often dominates possession, Kuhn provided the X-factor.
Fans began to chant his name. Pundits reversed their early criticisms. Brendan Rodgers openly praised his development, highlighting his increased maturity on and off the pitch. The German winger had arrived.
The Dip: A Harsh Reality Check
But as often happens with young players on a sharp rise, form is never permanent. After the winter break, Kuhn’s performances began to dip. Perhaps it was fatigue. Perhaps the burden of expectation grew too heavy. Defenders had started to figure him out, doubling up and forcing him into tight spaces. His final product, once so sharp, became erratic again.
Rodgers, ever the pragmatist, made a bold decision: he dropped Kuhn to the bench. It was a tactical call but also a psychological one—sometimes a player needs space to regroup. While there was no public complaint from Kuhn, the disappointment was visible. He had worked so hard to establish himself, only to find himself back on the periphery.
Yet this phase was not a collapse—it was a test. And true to his character, Kuhn treated it as such. He stayed professional, focused on training, and waited for his chance to come again.
The Redemption: A Brace That Meant More Than Goals
That chance came against Dundee United. Rodgers handed him a start, and Kuhn delivered in style. Two goals, both expertly taken, and a performance that oozed confidence. It wasn’t just the goals—it was his movement, his pressing, his involvement in link-up play. He looked like the player who had lit up Celtic Park in the autumn months.
Pat Bonner, who had once been among his sternest critics, praised his resilience. “Suddenly, he came alive and was doing all the things you’d want him to do,” Bonner said. “Then it disappeared for a while. But these goals will give him huge confidence.”
A Season of Impact: The Numbers Don’t Lie
Despite his mid-season dip, Kuhn’s overall output is outstanding. With 32 goal involvements—a combination of goals and assists—he is among the top contributors in the squad. That figure could yet rise to 40 with the Glasgow derby and Scottish Cup final still to play. For a player who was benched for several weeks and came under scrutiny early in his Celtic career, those numbers are a testament to his quality and resilience.
But numbers only tell part of the story. Kuhn’s journey reflects the experience of many young foreign players who come to Celtic. It’s not just about adapting to a new league—it’s about embracing the culture, understanding the expectations, and learning how to deliver under pressure every single week.
The Road Ahead
With Celtic still chasing silverware, Kuhn’s return to form could not be better timed. The Glasgow derby looms large, and the Scottish Cup final will be a high-stakes affair. If Kuhn continues on his current trajectory, he could play a pivotal role in securing a domestic double—or even more.
More than that, Kuhn now has the opportunity to cement himself as a long-term figure at Celtic. Players like Jota and Liel Abada have shown how wide players can become cult heroes. Kuhn has the tools and, now, the experience. What’s more, he has the scars of adversity—something that often forges the strongest characters.
Whether this season ends with medals or not, one thing is clear: Nicolas Kuhn has shown the mentality of a Celtic player. He arrived as a question mark. He leaves this season as an exclamation point.
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