Neil Lennon’s criticism of ‘sloppy’ Nicolas Kuhn – “He was poor, yeah” | OneFootball

Neil Lennon didn’t hold back in criticising Nicolas Kuhn after the winger was replaced at half-time during Celtic’s 3-2 defeat to theRangers on Sunday…

Celtic players in a huddle before kick off with theRangers fans inside Celtic Park for the first time in two years. Celtic v theRangers, ScottishPremiership, Celtic Park, 16 March 2025 Photo Stuart Wallace Shutterstock

The German, who has generally been impressive this season, specifically in the first half of the campaign, began on the right wing in a front three but struggled to make any sort of impact on the game.

Kuhn was withdrawn at the interval after a poor first half showing

Kuhn was withdrawn at half-time, making way for Adam Idah. As a result, Daizen Maeda shifted to the left wing, while Jota moved over to the right flank. Given the form of Idah, it may have been more suitable for Yang to be the straight swap for Kuhn at the interval, as Sandman initially pointed out in his Definitive Ratings.

Daizen Maeda of Celtic celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the Scottish Premiership match between Celtic and theRangers at Celtic Park on March 16, 2025. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

However, the switch did seem to have an impact, as Celtic scored twice in the second half, but Brendan Rodgers’ side were ultimately undone by a late Hamza Igamane winner.

Reo Hatate of Celtic celebrates scoring to tie the game 2-2 with Adam Idah of Celtic. Celtic v theRangers, Scottish Premiership, Celtic Park, 16 March 2025 Photo Stuart Wallace Shutterstock

“He was poor, yeah. Sloppy. A lack of belief”

Post-match, Lennon, who had two separate stints as Celtic manager, criticised Kuhn following his half-time substitution. Speaking to Sky Sports, Lennon said: “He was poor, yeah. Sloppy. A lack of belief. Speed. To be fair to [Ridvan] Yilmaz, he played him really well.”

“It’s not just Nicolas Kuhn; the whole team was lethargic for the first 20 minutes and theRangers took the game to Celtic and they weren’t at it.”

Jota and Nicolas Kuhn of Celtic during the Scottish Premiership match at Celtic Park, Celtic v Rangers, 16 March 2025 Photo O Rourke Shutterstock

Kuhn has been a vital player for Celtic this season, recording 18 goals and 13 assists in 42 matches across all competitions.

Kuhn was missing in action on Sunday

However, Lennon felt Nicolas Kuhn was missing in action on Sunday afternoon, a theme for the winger against the Ibrox club on the last two occasions, but Kuhn will aim to respond with a stronger performance against Hearts after the international break as Celtic look to close in on the title.

Henrik Larsson scores for Celtic in Seville. Photo Celtic FC

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