Skip to content

Celtic's defence found out by Kilmarnock, says Andy Walker

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Former Celtic striker Andy Walker says the side's defence were found out as Kilmarnock beat them 2-1

Celtic's defence were found out by Kilmarnock as they came from behind to beat Brendan Rodgers' side 2-1 on Sunday, says Andy Walker.

The champions have now slumped to their worst start to a Scottish Premiership season in 20 years, after three wins and a draw in their opening six league games.

Former Celtic striker Walker believes a big problem for the team lies going forward and the ability to create opportunities, and now their defence are also struggling with the extra pressure that puts on them.

"Brendan Rodgers is looking for a combination and chemistry from middle to front, that where Celtic's biggest problems have been," said Walker.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Brendan Rodgers says Celtic are not playing at the levels they reached in recent years

"They're not scoring enough goals, they're not threatening to score goals and when you have players like Scott Sinclair, who doesn't really look interested, not taking players on, Celtic fail to find any sort of penetration in behind and good crosses into the box.

"When you've got Leigh Griffiths and Odsonne Edouard, players up front are not really getting the service they have had in previous years and that's where the big problem is as it puts pressure on the defence.

"Up until yesterday, Celtic were defensively sound but were found out by a really decent Kilmarnock side."

Also See:

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Highlights: Kilmarnock 2-1 Celtic

Walker, who made 108 appearances for Celtic, says another factor in the club's poor form this season has been their transfer window.

The club sold striker Moussa Dembele to Lyon at the end of the summer window, while Dedryck Boyata was subject to transfer uncertainty with Celtic rejecting a bid from Fulham.

"I think the problem that Celtic have is that they are suffering from a terrible hangover from the transfer window," added Walker.

Brendan Rodgers, Moussa Dembele
Image: Moussa Dembele left Celtic for Lyon in the summer

"They got rid of players they didn't want to get rid of, some players wanted to go but were forced to stay and you're seeing it reflected on a level of performance where the players are capable of so much more and are not delivering.

"I think it's a real worry for every Celtic supporter, the form is really poor and when you look elsewhere, Hearts, Hibs, especially Rangers, they are doing so well."

Play Super 6
Play Super 6

Jeff gave away £1.5m last month. Enter your predictions to be the next winner here.

Around Sky