Celtic’s decision to bring in Kasper Schmeichel on a free transfer during the summer window has proven successful. The goalkeeper has delivered strong performances for Brendan Rodgers’ side in the league, recording six clean sheets and allowing just one goal across seven matches.
However, in other competitions, the Denmark international has conceded 11 goals in four games, including a heavy 7-1 Champions League loss to Borussia Dortmund.
Schmeichel also kept two clean sheets for Denmark last month but conceded in their 1-0 loss to Spain over the weekend. The Celtic keeper faced criticism for allowing Martín Zubimendi to score for La Roja.
Having been Denmark’s first-choice goalkeeper for years, Schmeichel is now facing scrutiny at home. *Tipsbladet*’s editor-in-chief, Allan Olsen, suggested that the Celtic player might no longer be Denmark’s top goalkeeper. Meanwhile, his colleague, Emil Bellaiche, defended the veteran and offered his perspective on the goal conceded against Spain.
“All in all, he played an excellent game, and he looks a bit unlucky in goal. But in his defence, there are two players in front of him so he can’t see anything, and Pierre-Emile Højbjerg even saves it. On a really good day, he probably would have taken it, and he has also said himself that he regrets it,” Bellaiche noted.
Debate in Denmark has emerged over whether Leicester’s Mads Hermansen should replace the 37-year-old. Bellaiche believes the criticism directed at Schmeichel is overblown and supports him remaining the national team’s No.1 for now.
“I think hating Kasper Schmeichel has become somewhat fashionable. People want change, but I don’t think it’s necessary yet, even though he doesn’t offer long-term potential like Hermansen. I think he’s doing his job,” Bellaiche explained.
He added, “There’s also the consideration that Schmeichel will be 40 when the World Cup comes around. At some point, you have to transition, because it wouldn’t be ideal for Hermansen to have his first international matches during the World Cup if he’s meant to take over by then. So, a change will be necessary eventually.”
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