So that was that for the first section of the season. It sounds positive to have Celtic unbeaten, top of the league, albeit joint with Hearts, and six points ahead of seventh-placed Rangers. But, as always, statistics alone don’t always tell the full story. That’s very much the case after a frustrating last couple of weeks for the Hoops, who failed to qualify for the Champions League and had a dull draw at Ibrox. Then there is the end to a terrible transfer window to contend with.
There is a long way to go in the season yet, but the warning signs are very much there for the club both on and off the pitch. The fans have been pointing it all out for a while.
The lack of ambition and efficiency shown in the transfer window has left a questionable squad for Brendan Rodgers to manage. He will need to change the recent playing approach quickly.
The never-ending passing sequences across the back four aren’t getting the ball up the pitch with any pace. The lack of attempts on goal in recent games, and on Sunday at Ibrox, is a cause for worry. The club missed out on new strikers recently, but the question remains: How would any of them get the ball to score? Rodgers will have to get the very best out of the players he has available.
One Celtic player needs to be dropped
That ties in with another warning sign flashing bright red at Parkhead, and not for the first time either. Although a lot of the focus currently is on poor play by the midfield or forwards, or the lack of quality in the squad, that’s not the entire issue. There is a 'star' player who needs to be dropped.
Kasper Schmeichel was a genius signing last season. The plan to develop Viljami Sinisalo alongside was another. The club often gets questioned about a lack of forward planning with players. But the goalkeeping position shows otherwise.
Now, though, is the time to implement the next step of that goalkeeping plan. Sinisalo needs to be brought in instead of Schmeichel. The Dane hasn’t returned well after that injury last season on international duty. It’s questionable whether he was fully fit when he played in the Scottish Cup final. He didn’t look like it when he contributed to Aberdeen’s late equaliser.
In games this season, physical fitness still looks like an issue. He seems too bulky for the nimbleness needed by a keeper. Schmeichel didn’t add much when it came to that Champions League penalty shoot-out. And while he has been decent with his feet, he is playing too many risky passes these days. A couple on Sunday at Ibrox came close to being intercepted.
All in all, it’s time for him to take a back seat on the bench. Sinisalo has shown what he is capable of in matches last season, this preseason and the League Cup win over Falkirk recently. He helps settle the defence and while still young and developing, he is a safe pair of hands and commanding between the posts.
Some of this might seem a bit harsh on Schmeichel. He has kept clean sheets in all four league games. Rodgers has many other priorities to consider as we enter the international break. But it’s a time for big decisions and brave ones too. This needn’t be that courageous. It’s more sensible, and let’s face it, Sinisalo taking over is the plan anyway. Time to make it happen.