At Celtic’s home ground, Parkhead, a memorable quote from Jock Stein about the prestigious Celtic jersey not accommodating lesser talents adorns one of the walls, setting a high standard for all who wear it.
Yet, Nicolas Kuhn’s struggle with the size of his kit upon joining Celtic for £3m from Rapid Vienna under Brendan Rodgers wasn’t a reflection of his skill but rather a consequence of recent illness and weight loss following dental surgery. Unlike many who aim to shed their winter weight in January, Kuhn found himself in the opposite situation, lacking physical strength and quickly judged by some as unworthy of the Celtic shirt. However, Rodgers maintained faith in the 24-year-old’s potential.
Kuhn’s performance in Celtic’s 4-2 victory over Livingston marked a significant turnaround. Demonstrating his skill early on, he played a pivotal role in setting up Daizen Maeda’s hat trick, contributed to the second goal, and was a constant menace on the right flank. This showed the critics who doubted his suitability for the team might have been too quick in their judgments.
Rodgers expressed satisfaction with Kuhn’s progress, noting the initial challenges he faced due to a significant weight loss and the consequent impact on his physical capabilities. However, with consistent effort and adaptation, Kuhn’s form improved, showcasing a more aggressive play style and contributing significantly to the team’s success.
Rodgers also highlighted the importance of confidence and preparation in adapting to the high-intensity Scottish football environment. He praised Kuhn’s recent assertiveness on the field, indicating a positive adjustment period.
The conversation also turned to James Forrest, a seasoned player under Rodgers, who made a notable return to the pitch. Rodgers didn’t hesitate to label Forrest as the top winger in the team, despite him having seen less playtime recently due to minor injuries. Acknowledging the inevitable impact of aging on a player’s ability to perform consistently at peak levels, Rodgers still sees Forrest as a valuable asset for the team in the remaining season.
This saga not only illustrates the challenges new signings face in adapting to a new league but also the patience and support required from the management to integrate and maximize a player’s potential for the team’s benefit.
