Celtic legend Pat Bonner did not mince his words in his post-match analysis of Celtic’s recent clash with Hibernian.
Speaking on BBC Scotland, Bonner expressed his disappointment with the team’s performance, pointing out the lingering effects of Wednesday night’s match and the underwhelming displays of several key players.
Bonner offered a candid assessment of the game, saying, “There was certainly a hangover from Wednesday night. The energy levels were down, and there were too many players—Kyogo, Palma, and Maeda—who didn’t perform.”
The former Celtic goalkeeper’s comments shed light on the challenges the team faced in maintaining momentum during a demanding fixture schedule. Playing seven games in just 21 days is no small task, and it was evident that the physical and mental toll was starting to take effect on the players.
One of the notable changes in the Celtic lineup for the match was the inclusion of Bernardo, who replaced the injured Reo Hatate. Bonner had strong opinions about this decision, stating, “Bernardo didn’t do too much in the game to show why he would be in the team— even with Hatate injured. They missed him.”
Bonner’s assessment underscored the irreplaceable quality that Hatate brings to the Celtic midfield. The Japanese midfielder’s creativity, vision, and quick movements have made him a standout player for the team, and his absence was keenly felt during the match against Hibs.
Bonner’s critique of Bernardo’s performance in the game reflects the high expectations Celtic supporters have for their team.
