Celtic’s recent triumph against Falkirk in the League Cup continues to be a hot topic as Brendan Rodgers’ team gears up for another appearance at Hampden in November. The match, which ended in a 5-2 win for Celtic, was not without its challenges. Despite the final score, Rodgers acknowledged that his side’s performance was not up to their usual standards, taking responsibility for the lackluster display.
In a notable shift, Rodgers made eight changes to the lineup that had defeated Slovan Bratislava just days earlier, which was evident on the pitch. Falkirk capitalized on this, showcasing an impressive blend of attacking flair and high pressing. However, Celtic’s inherent quality emerged as a deciding factor when Rodgers opted to make four substitutions in the 70th minute, bringing fresh energy and skill into the game.
Coll Donaldson, Falkirk’s captain, expressed relief that the Celtic manager did not call upon striker Kyogo Furuhashi during the match. Donaldson shared his thoughts on The Big Scottish Football Podcast, revealing his concerns about Furuhashi’s potential impact: “When Kyogo was warming up, I was just hoping he wouldn’t be brought on. He’s a nightmare to face—quick and a clinical finisher.”
Meanwhile, discussions around Kyogo’s evolving role at Celtic have intensified, especially after Adam Idah mentioned learning from the Japanese forward. With his extensive experience in Europe and a track record of domestic success, Kyogo serves as an exemplary figure for emerging talents. His pace and precision in front of goal can be a significant threat to any defense.
At 29, Furuhashi’s presence was not needed against Falkirk, which bodes well for Celtic’s future. The emergence of Idah as a capable goal-scorer ensures that the team has depth in their attacking options, allowing them to adapt without relying solely on their star striker. This dynamic illustrates Celtic