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The Journos · 20 February 2025
Celtic produced one of their finest European performances against Bayern Munich but ultimately bowed out of the Champions League. Would Celtic have progressed if they hadn’t sold Kyogo Furuhashi in January?
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🌟 Celtic's Performance: Pride, Progress, and Pain
Brendan Rodgers hailed his players’ effort, describing it as a night filled with pride despite the heartbreaking exit. Celtic played a disciplined, controlled game, matching Bayern for large spells and even taking the lead before a late equalizer from the German giants dashed their hopes.
🟢 Key Talking Points:
Tactical Maturity: Celtic showed defensive resilience and played with tactical awareness, pressing at the right moments and staying compact.
Missed Chances: Celtic had golden opportunities in the first half but lacked the killer instinct up front—Kyogo’s absence was glaring.
Bayern's Equalizer: A late Bayern goal—after a controversial build-up—cruelly knocked Celtic out.
🗣️ Peter Martin (PLZ Soccer):
“Celtic played mature, controlled football. They didn’t look out of place on the European stage. But... the big ‘what if?’ is Kyogo.”
💰 The Kyogo Conundrum: Did Selling Him Derail Celtic’s Campaign?
The sale of Kyogo Furuhashi in the January transfer window remains a hot topic among fans and pundits. The Japanese striker had been instrumental for Celtic, and his departure—without a replacement—left the team short-handed in key moments.
⚔️ Arguments for Keeping Kyogo:
His instinctive finishing could have converted the chances Celtic missed in Munich.
The striker’s presence in the box offers a different dynamic that was lacking against Bayern.
“That was a Kyogo-style pass into the six-yard box last night—he’d have eaten that up,” said Hugh MacDonald.
⚖️ Why Celtic Sold Kyogo:
Reports suggest Kyogo was keen to move, with lucrative offers doubling his salary.
The club believed a replacement was lined up, but the deal fell through late in the window.
🗣️ Moira Gordon:
“If you’re letting a star player go, there has to be someone lined up. Celtic thought they had someone. They didn’t. That’s a failure on the recruitment side.”
📈 Redemption for Brendan Rodgers?
Rodgers, who faced heavy criticism during his first stint at Celtic for his European results, walked away from the Allianz Arena with his reputation enhanced.
💡 Rodgers’ Achievements This Season:
Led Celtic to the Champions League knockout stages—his primary goal upon returning.
Proved he’s learned from past European mistakes, employing a more pragmatic approach.
Reinforced Celtic’s “European credibility” despite financial disparities.
But… the shadow of Kyogo’s sale looms large.
🗣️ Peter Martin:
“Rodgers did everything right. But the board let him down by not replacing Kyogo. That’s the cold, hard truth.”
🔄 What’s Next for Celtic? Summer Rebuild Incoming?
With the European journey over, all eyes turn to the summer transfer window. Rodgers has made it clear—Celtic need squad depth if they’re to consistently compete in Europe.
⚽ Potential Departures:
Reo Hatate and Khun are attracting interest from European clubs.
Alistair Johnston is rumored to be on Premier League radars.
💰 The Big Dilemma:
Should Celtic stick to their current model of developing and selling talent, or should they hold onto key players for the sake of European ambitions?
🗣️ Moira Gordon:
“Celtic can’t keep treating Europe like a shop window. If they want to make the next step, sometimes you need to say ‘not this window.’”
📊 Final Thoughts: Celtic's European Future
Can they go further next year?
Yes—but only if lessons are learned. A deeper squad and strategic signings could see Celtic turn brave performances into knockout-round victories.
Can Brendan Rodgers build a “last-16” team?
Absolutely. Last night showed they’re closer than many thought—but key decisions in the summer will define that path.
Should Celtic have kept Kyogo until summer?
Fans and pundits alike say yes. The cost of letting him go was painfully visible in Munich.
💬 We Want Your Thoughts!
Did Celtic make a huge mistake selling Kyogo in January?
Can they reach the last 16 next season with better recruitment?
Who should be their top summer transfer target?
The Journos Highlights:
00:00 Intro - PLZ Soccer The Journos
00:59 Bayern Munich 1-1 Celtic - "Celtic played disciplined football"
05:00 Kyogo Leaving Celtic - "We all thought there was a striker line up"
15:51 Celtic Transfer Rumours - "Khun is being looked at by big clubs"
16:57 Celtic Champions League - "Celtic need to play a qualification play-off"
22:27 Bayern Munich 1-1 Celtic Final Thoughts - "Impressed by how they evolved"
30:57 Patrick Barclay Journalist - "He shocked the sports journalism industry"
42:19 David Moyes Everton - "He'll keep them in the Premier League"
48:57 Top 10 Football Songs - "3 Lions, Carnaval de Paris, We Have a Dream"
#celtic #celticfc #ucl #championsleague
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