Nicolas Kuhn has gone from a Player of the Year contender to an afterthought in recent weeks, and his place on the bench for today’s clash with Kilmarnock may be Brendan Rodgers’ clearest message yet.
The German winger was electric for much of the campaign, racking up goals and assists while becoming a key creative force in Celtic’s title charge. But since the turn of the year, his performances have noticeably tailed off. Where earlier he was decisive and dynamic, Kuhn has recently looked hesitant and far less effective in the final third.
Rodgers’ decision to leave him out of the starting XI this afternoon — especially in a game that could effectively seal the title — raises eyebrows. With James Forrest coming in for his first start after a lengthy injury absence, it feels less like a routine rotation and more like a direct challenge from the manager.
It’s not the first time Rodgers has used selection to provoke a response. He has a history of demanding high standards and making it clear that reputations count for little when form drops. Kuhn’s dip has been stark, and with the finish line in sight, the Celtic boss may feel he can’t carry passengers — even ones who were pivotal earlier in the season.
Kuhn’s body language and output suggest he may be feeling the pace or losing focus with the title almost secured.
Rodgers may simply be managing minutes with a view to the Scottish Cup and next season, but benching Kuhn in a statement fixture suggests something more pointed. If it’s a test of attitude and commitment, the ball is now firmly in Kuhn’s court. Whether he responds with the same intensity that made him undroppable earlier in the campaign will go a long way to determining his role in Celtic’s run-in — and beyond.
