Five uncomfortable Celtic truths from damp squib homecoming to No1 call
Brendan Rodgers has plenty to ponder as the champions look to find their rhythmn and kickstart their season
Celtic’s season has already thrown up more questions than answers - and Brendan Rodgers is under pressure to find solutions fast.
From big names struggling to recapture their best form to costly errors from seasoned pros, there’s no shortage of talking points at Parkhead right now.
Kasper Schmeichel is beginning to look shaky, Kieran Tierney’s dream homecoming has so far been a damp squib, while Callum McGregor's position in the team is suddenly the subject of debate after years as the club’s heartbeat.
Record signing Arne Engels remains on the fringes despite his hefty price tag, and summer arrival Michel-Ange Balikwisha has yet to justify his hype.
With fans restless and performances faltering, Rodgers may be forced into big decisions.
Here, Record Sport raises five uncomfortable conversations that need to be had.
Glove battle
Over the piece, Schmeichel has been a terrific keeper for Celtic. He stood tall in the Champions League last year and was arguably an upgrade on close pal Joe Hart.
But mistakes have crept into the Denmark veteran's game. Fans need no reminding of that Scottish Cup Final clanger that ultimately cost Celts a Treble, and his distribution has often put teammates under unnecessary pressure.
Then came the Braga blunder - planting the wrong hand in an attempt to claw out a 35-yard strike.
It was a tough night at the office and has raised questions over whether it’s time to hand the gloves to deputy Viljami Sinisalo, who has looked composed whenever called upon.
At 38, Schmeichel has enjoyed a career that players can only dream of. But there are now genuine fears that his best days are long gone.
Still top Tier?
Kieran Tierney's stunning return was heralded as a masterstroke for Celtic. Re-signing a £25m player on a free transfer was a no-brainer.
At 28, Celtic fans should be witnessing a player in his peak years. But the homegrown hero has looked like a shadow of the player who once swept up trophies at Parkhead.
Tierney, of course, has been plagued by injuries in recent seasons. And after playing a bit-part role at Arsenal, the defender is now adapting to playing week in, week out again, which might take a toll on his body.
It's an issue that Celtic are managing carefully as they look to build Tierney back up to full fitness. However, having only completed 90 minutes once this term, the Scotland star still looks well short of sharpness.
Handed a bumper five-year contract on his return to his boyhood heroes, Tierney has plenty of time to prove his critics wrong by getting back to his best.
Captain's orders
It tells you where Celtic are at the minute that captain Callum McGregor is coming under fire from fans online.
The 32-year-old has been a magnificent servant and remains the beating heart of Rodgers’ team.
Yet he’s struggled to hit the lofty standards he’s set for more than a decade. Critics point to safe backwards or sideways passing and a waning influence in derbies and Europe.
But is Scotland’s best midfielder being dragged down by those around him? Too often, McGregor is isolated in the middle of the park, left trying to cover two jobs at once.
With more support in midfield, there’s every chance the serial-winning skipper rediscovers his old authority.
The £11m man
Even when Celtic's midfield looks disjointed, Arne Engels still can't get a look in. The club record signing has been demoted to a bit-part player this term after falling behind Nygren in the pecking order.
How long can an £11m player sit rotting on the bench in Scotland? Rodgers said the Belgian was bought for his “potential”, but the lack of minutes is stunting his growth.
Despite producing 23 goal contributions, Engels divided opinion among the Parkhead faithful last campaign. The 22-year-old has made it clear that he's desperate for more action, but actions speak louder than words.
Whenever the ex-Augsburg star has featured this season - such as against Rangers or Hibs - he's flattered to deceive.
Celts have already cut their losses on £9m striker Adam Idah and there's a fear Engels could be heading in the same direction.
Taking the Michel
Glasgow is the world capital of snap judgements - and Michel-Ange Balikwisha has already been written off by some after just five games.
The Belgian winger has made a flat start, especially given Celtic tracked him for more than a year before splashing £5m.
Seb Tounekti has stolen the early spotlight, while Balikwisha has been shifted out of position or reduced to late cameos - something Rodgers has admitted is on him.
Still, the 24-year-old has to seize his chances. So far, he looks out of place, and being left unused in the Braga defeat only fuelled doubts.
It’s too early to rule him out, but sooner rather than later, the ex-Royal Antwerp star must deliver.