Brendan Rodgers issues honest account of Nicolas Kuhn’s early struggles after signing for Celtic

Celtic made two signings during the January transfer window in an attempt to bolster numbers ahead of the season run-in.

Republic of Ireland international Adam Idah arrived on loan from Norwich City and has gone on to have a notable impact, registering five goals and one assist in his opening eight appearances [Transfermarkt].

Of course, Nicolas Kuhn became our only permanent addition during the winter, coming in from Rapid Vienna for a fee of £3 million.

Brendan Rodgers spoke about the qualities Kuhn can offer his side last week ahead of our 4-2 victory over Livingston, stating: “He’s fast, he’s dynamic and he can get in behind. In fairness to Nicolas, he came into the club obviously during their mid-season break.”

The former Germany Under-20 international has had a slow start to life in Glasgow, managing just one goal in seven outings. However, following his excellent display against Livingston last time out, he gave a flavour of what he can offer at Parkhead.

Starting in place of Hyunjun Yang on the right flank, the 24-year-old assisted Daizen Maeda’s first strike during proceedings and added some much-needed urgency to the Hoops’ forward line, leaving Cristian Montano in his wake on several occasions.

This campaign, there has been a noticeable lack of consistency regarding quality from the wide areas; regardless, Kuhn’s emergence against the Lions may well land him another chance to impress against Craig Levein’s St Johnstone outfit this weekend.

Brendan Rodgers opens up on Nicolas Kuhn’s Celtic struggles

Entering a new environment is never easy for any player due to the challenges any move may present, adjusting to a new lifestyle, culture and language among the typical sticking points.

Speaking about Kuhn’s adaptation process, Rodgers has cited alternative reasons for his initial battle to hit the ground running at Celtic, referencing a bout of weight loss that occurred in the aftermath of dental surgery that led the winger to lose over a stone.

Rodgers stated [Daily Record]: “In fairness to Nicolas, I think we mentioned it before, for anyone not working with him every day and seeing the difference, when he first came in he was in the midst of his break and I think he said he’d lost seven kilos.

“You can imagine that when you are only slight anyway. To lose over a stone, I think he found that he’d lost his strength and his running capacity. Nicolas is just starting to settle in.”

He then added on his performance against Livingston: “You see he was a lot more positive, in the first half in particular, and he did well.

“I think it was just a bit of cramp at the end (why he was taken off). He’s obviously not played as much. He ran his heart out. I’m sure he’s okay. So it’s been about building him up. I think he feels great now. He’s still got a bit bit of work to do.

“But I think you saw that much more aggressive approach in his game, in one versus ones, taking people on, finding the pass for Daizen’s goal. So yes, that’s more of what we want to see. It’s just adaption. He’ll progress, I’m sure, in his time, but that was very good.”

Nicolas Kuhn has the right ingredients to succeed at Celtic

Kuhn would be the first to admit he endured a few underwhelming displays in the infancy of his Celtic career; however, he looks to have turned a corner and is an exciting player to watch at full tilt.

His ability to drive at pace, coupled with having quick feet, can make him a real asset for the Bhoys as they look to hone in on a domestic double.

Amid several absences in the wide areas, the former Ajax man now has an opportunity to nail down his place in the starting line-up, and he will hope to provide Rodgers with some food for thought this weekend ahead of the international break.