Chris Sutton completely baffled at Nicolas Kuhn fall-off

Chris Sutton is uncertain about what has transpired with Nicolas Kuhn following his substitution at halftime during Celtic’s 1-0 defeat to St Johnstone on Sunday at McDiarmid Park…

Celtic Manager Brendan Rodgers in technical area at McDiarmid Park. St Johnstone v Celtic, Scottish Premiership, 06 April 2025. Photo Stuart Wallace IMAGO/Shutterstock

For the second time in three matches, the winger was replaced at halftime, with South Korean Yang Hyun-jun coming on to take his spot. Kuhn hasn’t found the net since Celtic’s 1-1 draw with Bayern Munich in Germany in February, and so far in 2025, he has scored only four goals, a stark contrast to the 14 he netted before the turn of the year.

The German’s decline has been noticeable

The German’s decline has been noticeable, and following his substitution at halftime over the weekend, Sutton expressed his concerns about what has happened to the 25-year-old while reflecting on Celtic’s defeat on X: “Well played St Johnstone still scrapping at the bottom but a huge three points gives them a bit of hope,” he said.

“Andy Fisher in goal [👏👏], for Celtic still work to do. Not sure what has happened to Nicolas Kuhn. Still 13 points clear at the top isn’t a bad position to be in.”

Well played St Johnstone still scrapping at the bottom but a huge 3 points gives them a bit of hope. Andy Fisher outstanding in goal👏👏For Celtic still work to do. Not sure what has happened to Nicolas Kuhn. Still 13 points clear at the top isn’t a bad position to be in …

— Chris Sutton (@chris_sutton73) April 6, 2025

Even after their surprising loss in Perth, Celtic still have a chance to secure the Scottish Premiership title this weekend, provided they overcome Kilmarnock on Saturday at Celtic Park and theRangers fall to Aberdeen at Pittodrie on Sunday.

James Forrest of Celtic’s shot is saved by St Johnstone goalkeeper Andy Fisher. St Johnstone v Celtic, Scottish Premiership, , McDiarmid Park, Perth, – 06 April 2025: Photo Stuart Wallace IMAGO/Shutterstock

Celtic remain in the hunt for another Treble

Brendan Rodgers’ side are still in the hunt for a treble and will be eager to settle the score when they face St Johnstone in the Scottish Cup semi-final in less than two weeks at Hampden Park.

The Celtic manager challenged his squad’s hunger following their recent defeat to Simo Valakari’s relegation strugglers: “Top teams, they have talent, they have a system, and they have a spirit and an ambition to win,” he said. “The third one has been a wee bit ropey for us.”

St Johnstone goalkeeper Andy Fisher saves a close range shot from Luke McCowan of Celtic. St Johnstone v Celtic, Scottish Premiership, , McDiarmid Park, 06 April 2025. Photo Stuart Wallace/IMAGO Shutterstock

“We clearly have talent; we have a system and structure you see in the second half and other games where it works really well. But before any of that there has to be a desire and a mentality. A couple of times just a little bit timid and that’s one of the big pitfalls to succeed for me.”

Conor Spence

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