Paulo Bernardo for me is not doing enough to justify a regular start in the Celtic midfield and I can see him being back on the bench on Sunday…
Paulo Bernardo at Firhill. Partick Thistle v Celtic. Premier Sports League Cup. Sunday 21 September. Photo Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)
For weeks now Celtic supporters including myself have been advocating Paulo Bernardo for a starting berth, and mainly at the expense of Reo Hatate, and we got our wish last night when we was named in Brendan Rodgers starting line up against Sporting Braga.
It’s fair to say that Paulo didn’t cover himself in glory in a very disjointed performance all round, which is a shame as he usually looks effective, particularly on the European scene.
This was the ideal opportunity for the former Portuguese under 21 skipper to prove his credentials and give the manager some much needed food for thought regarding the midfield situation, but like most of his teammates, Paulo didn’t do himself any justice on the night, and despite looking bright early on, like the rest of his teammates, he failed to make any sort of impact on proceedings.
Reo Hatate hasn’t exactly been firing on all cylinders recently, but he looked so much more potent and effective when he was introduced, and Paulo’s chances of a more permanent run in the starting line up seem somewhat faded.
It’s actually hard to point out any of the Celtic midfielders who are actually having a good season so far. Callum McGregor is working hard to try and kick-start things or firefighting in front of the defence but outside the skipper Reo Hatate, Benjamin Nygren, Arne Engels and Luke McCowan have all failed to impress. Paul had is chance last night but like the rest hasn’t impressed.
Celtic line-up prior to the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 League Phase MD2 match between Celtic FC and SC Braga at Celtic Park on October 02, 2025. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
Dear knows who starts on Sunday against Motherwell but if I was a betting man I’d say Reo will have the jersey and will be joined by the captain and Nygren, if they are fit.
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Seriously!? You are blaming Bernardo, who has had hardly any game time this season, while the rest of the squad have been shite for weeks!
Well said! This is a top level player who has been very poorly handled by Rodgers and Celtic in general!
Bernardo was also played out of position on Thursday. He should probably been given the holding midfielder role with McGregor being pushed forward where he can be very dangerous.
But wherever Bernardo plays, he has not been properly treated!
Also, as for trying to blame ANYONE excethe goalkeeper for that first goal is an absolute disgrace! It wasn’t even a good shot! 100% clear vision from the moment it left his boot, not that well hit, no swerve or dip to talk about, just a schoolboy goalkeeping error! No-one else!
Bernardo is the guy you single out from last night?
Don’t think we were watching the same game.
The goalkeeper sold the jerseys. He was also responsible for the goal against Red Star last week as well. Has to be dropped.
Tierney was brutal, Scales is levels below the required standard, the captain is in hiding, Nygren looks as if he’s towing a caravan, Maeda doesn’t want to be here and Iheanacho isn’t fit.
But aye, Paulo Bernardo.
I don’t think Bernardo expected to be starting in a one man midfield, Mcgregor has been treading water for months now, and even opposition in Scotland have his measure, drop a man on him and he’s infective, and Nygren seems to be picked regardless, last season, Engels, to lump this on Bernardo is shocking, Hatate hasn’t kicked a ball for almost a year,he fairly misses Greg Taylor creating an overload in midfield, and don’t get me started on decision to start, in fact, bring back KT.
Hes had 1(one) game or more like about 60mins where as the rest have had several games to get up to speed but still struggling.
How is he meant to get match fit? Not having a go at Engels who I do like but I think Bernardo is as good and probably better a better engine to get round the park.