Celtic’s display in Munich is bound to disappoint their supporters, particularly when reflecting on their efforts in the first leg.
Many had anticipated that if Brendan Rodgers’ team were to pose a significant threat to Bayern Munich, it would have primarily unfolded at Celtic Park.
However, it was Harry Kane’s goal that proved decisive in Glasgow, as the Hoops suffered a 2-1 defeat on home soil, handing Vincent Kompany’s side what has now become a crucial advantage.
A common sentiment was that Celtic took an hour to find their rhythm in the first leg, but once they did, they managed to highlight Bayern Munich’s defensive frailties.
This was further evidenced in Bavaria, where the Scottish champions arguably should have been two or even three goals ahead before the interval.
But did Rodgers make a tactical misstep in the initial encounter?
Stuart Kettlewell on Brendan Rodgers’ decision regarding Celtic trio Daizen Maeda, Jota, and Adam Idah:
Some argued that Daizen Maeda should have led the line from the start in the first leg, but Rodgers chose Adam Idah instead. It was only after Idah was substituted following that initial hour that the dynamics shifted.
This explains why the Celtic manager opted for Jota, Maeda, and Nicolas Kuhn in the starting lineup for the return leg—a decision that, as everyone witnessed, paid off handsomely, a point Stuart Kettlewell emphasized.
The former Motherwell boss clarified that he holds ‘nothing against Idah,’ but he believes Rodgers erred by not starting Maeda upfront from the beginning, as he expressed on the Warm-Up.
“I watched the game last week, and there was a lot of speculation about one position and combination,” Kettlewell remarked.
“My assumption last week was that Celtic would begin the game with Maeda, Kuhn, and Jota on the left flank. I thought that’s how they would line up.
“You get that incredible intensity at the top of the pitch. With Maeda as the striker, he sets the standard for pressing and winning the ball back.
“That’s not a criticism of Idah. It’s just that I felt introducing Jota into the starting XI made a noticeable difference in their performance and style of play.”
Maeda’s performance as a centre-forward for Celtic this season:
Rodgers can hardly be faulted for starting Idah in the first leg, especially after his brace at Villa Park and one of his standout performances in a Celtic jersey.
Yet, there’s no disputing Maeda’s form this season and his impressive record as a centre-forward.
Played as… Apps Goals Assists
Left Winger 28 11 7
Centre-Forward 4 8 2
Another factor worth considering was Kyogo Furuhashi’s departure and how the failure to secure a striker during the January transfer window compounded the issue.
Even Alan Shearer, the legendary striker, has suggested that Celtic would have emerged victorious with a natural finisher, given their performance in Munich.
