Kasper Schmeichel: Keeper in spotlight after night of gloom for Celtic
BBC World
February 20, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Celtic goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel found himself under intense scrutiny following his side's 4-1 defeat against Stuttgart, which came amid protests by fans who were unhappy with the club's board. Schmeichel endured a tough night, making several errors that contributed to Celtic's heavy loss. Despite these mistakes, both manager Martin O'Neill and captain Callum McGregor stood by him, emphasizing that the team's performance as a whole was lackluster. O'Neill praised Schmeichel's contributions since joining the club but acknowledged the need for improvement across the board.
The match marked another in a series of perceived errors by Schmeichel, who has been criticized for his performances this season. Statistically, he has conceded more goals than expected and has a lower save percentage compared to other goalkeepers in European competitions. This underperformance has raised questions about Celtic's defensive vulnerabilities, particularly in Europe. Experts suggest that the outcome of the season could hinge on whether O'Neill continues to trust Schmeichel or opts to give understudy Viljami Sinisalo more opportunities.
While some, including former Celtic captain Neil Lennon, argue that Schmeichel should be given time to recover and improve, others, like pundit Pat Bonner, believe Sinisalo deserves a chance sooner rather than later. Schmeichel's struggles have been compounded by the team's lack of intensity and defensive organization, which Lennon described as uncharacteristic of an O'Neill-led side. With key decisions looming, the debate over Schmeichel's future highlights the broader challenges facing Celtic this season.
This situation matters to fans and analysts as it underscores the importance of consistency in crucial positions like goalkeeping. Schmeichel's performance not only impacts the team's results but also reflects on the club's management and decision-making. Whether O'Neill chooses to stick with Schmeichel or make a change will be closely watched, as it could determine the trajectory of Celtic's season both domestically and in European competitions.
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Originally published on BBC World on 2/20/2026