Kasper Schmeichel has embraced the high-pressure environment at Celtic since joining the club last summer, and the experienced goalkeeper’s passion for the club’s winning ethos is clear.
Speaking on Ben Foster’s podcast, Schmeichel shed light on what motivated his move to Glasgow and why the demands of Celtic’s culture fit his mindset perfectly.
Schmeichel, who signed as a free agent after leaving OGC Nice, credited Brendan Rodgers for being a key influence in his decision to join Celtic. Having previously worked under Rodgers during a successful period at Leicester City, the 37-year-old knew what to expect from the manager’s approach. Yet, it wasn’t just Rodgers’ presence that swayed his decision.
The allure of Celtic’s relentless drive for success was the ultimate draw.
He said: “I love the fact that we come in from a win and it’s expected.
“Everyone is happy and buzzing and all of that, but it’s like, no, this is what we do here. We win. And anything other than a win is a catastrophe.
“That’s a kind of pressure I’ve never played under, really. So, to have that, that was the kind of thing I was looking for.
“That’s why I’ve felt so at home from day one – that’s my mentality and I’ve just come into a winning culture that’s so ambitious and so driven. Anything other than winning, and playing well, is not accepted.”
For a player who has spent years competing at the highest levels, the unique pressure at Celtic has become a source of motivation. The Hoops’ unwavering demand for success resonates deeply with Schmeichel’s personal mindset.
Schmeichel’s wealth of experience and success, including his time as Leicester City’s No.1 during their fairy-tale Premier League title win in 2016, is proving invaluable at Celtic. His calm demeanour and ability to thrive under pressure have quickly won over the Celtic fans.
His penalty shootout heroics against Rangers in the Premier Sports Cup Final underlined his big-game mentality. In such crucial moments, Schmeichel’s influence mirrors the type of relentless commitment to success that has defined Celtic’s modern era.
