Rodgers Acknowledges Celtic Must Strengthen Squad After Frustrating Kairat Draw

Published: 21 August ‘2025. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online.

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers admits there is still significant work to be done to secure Champions League qualification after the Hoops were held to a goalless draw by Kairat in the first leg of their playoff at Parkhead. Rodgers marked his 800th managerial match, but the home side struggled to impose themselves early against the well-organized Kazakhstani team.

The game shifted slightly in the second half when Rodgers introduced Yang Hyun-jun for Adam Idah and moved Daizen Maeda to centre-forward. Celtic increased their attacking intensity and pressure in the final stages, including 10 minutes of added time, but were unable to break down Kairat’s resolute defence. With the return leg in Kazakhstan looming, Celtic face a daunting 7,000-mile round trip and an uphill battle to progress.

Much of the pre-match discussion centred on whether Rodgers would reinforce his squad ahead of the European campaign. Although no late signings materialized, Rodgers made six changes to his starting lineup, recalling key players such as Kasper Schmeichel, Cameron Carter-Vickers, Liam Scales, Reo Hatate, Benjamin Nygren, and Adam Idah. Meanwhile, Viljami Sinisalo, Dane Murray, Auston Trusty, Arne Engels, Luke McCowan, and Johnny Kenny were left out.

Kairat coach Rafael Urazbakhtin emphasized his team’s determination to represent Kazakhstan with pride, relying on the 17-year-old Chelsea-bound forward Dastan Satpayev. Kairat matched Celtic in pace and tactical discipline, with several early chances, including an offside goal by captain Aleksandr Martynovich in the 11th minute. Celtic suffered an early setback when Alistair Johnston was forced off with a hamstring injury, replaced by Anthony Ralston.

Despite moments of promise, including Maeda and James Forrest combining to test Kairat’s goalkeeper Aleksandr Zarutskiy, Celtic were unable to convert opportunities. Kairat made further adjustments, replacing an injured Zarutskiy late in the match, yet Celtic continued to press in vain. Fans expressed their frustration by chanting “sack the board” in the closing stages, reflecting discontent over the lack of transfer activity as well as the stalemate.

Rodgers acknowledged the challenges, stating, “These games are tough, and you want your best players available as quickly as possible. We have to accept where we are and prepare for the long journey ahead.” He also addressed the fans’ reaction, highlighting that the team’s performance on the field remains the priority, and emphasized the need for squad improvement. “The boys are a great bunch, defensively strong, but tonight offensively we couldn’t show the moments of quality to break through. We need to improve the squad to perform at the highest level,” Rodgers said.

The Celtic boss stressed that strengthening the team is essential to meet the expectations of supporters and to compete effectively in Europe, signalling that transfer activity may yet be required before the Champions League playoff concludes.