Stiliyan Petrov believes Celtic should move in a different direction this summer despite Kelechi Iheanacho’s important contribution to the club’s title-winning campaign…
The 29-year-old forward became a fans’ favourite after delivering a series of decisive goals during the run-in, including match-winning strikes against Dundee, Hibernian and Motherwell as Celtic completed a remarkable comeback to secure the Premiership title
Iheanacho has been a difference maker for Celtic in business end of the season
Although Iheanacho struggled to convince manager Martin O’Neill over his fitness levels throughout the season, the striker still proved influential from the bench during key moments of the title race.
His current one-year contract expires at the end of the campaign, though Celtic retain the option of extending the deal by a further 12 months.
However, Petrov feels the club should instead focus on recruiting a more long-term solution at the top end of the pitch.
“I don’t think Iheanacho is the answer for the club,” Stan Petrov
Speaking on The Scottish Football Social Club, Petrov said: “Sorry, no. You need a striker who can compete all season, who is fit all season, who is ready, who is mobile.
“You know what? He’s done so well. For me, with what Celtic stands for, they have to go for something different. Something more powerful.
“That’s the way it is, unfortunately, at a big club. I don’t think Iheanacho is the answer for the club.”
Watch Stan Petrov on The Scottish Football Social Club podcast below…
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1 Comment
Again it’s one of the many decisions, that a new manager is going to face, when looking to form a new squad for next season?
As that manager isn’t in place yet, then we don’t even know, in how he might intend of trying to set up our team?
Personally, can’t see any other options available, regarding squad building, that a back 4 will remain in place, especially with what defenders we already have under contract imo?
Therefore a squad potentially built upon a 433 basis Again, although that won’t define how our team actually intends to be set up, and how it’s looking to play either?
So potentially looking at 7/8 attacking options within a 25man European squad, with 6 potentially within a 20man SPFL match day squad. Much the same as it’s been in recent seasons, regarding our squad building.
So potentially 3 strikers within it, which Maeda providing that extra flexibility within the squad building process in the attacking areas.
Still think that Osmand, will have a massive role to hopefully play for ourselves next season imo?
The potential loss of Maeda would be massive, but hopefully softened by a jota return, and seb on the left imo? Forrest covers both wide areas also, so potentially 4 out of 7/8 attacking squad places maybe potentially filled already. Unknown yet what the intentions of yang might be at this point, but still thinking he will want to move on, if the opportunity arises, especially with greater interest upon himself this summer?
If he stays it takes pressure off our right side of attack, but still will require additional strength regardless imo?
So can kelchi play the striker role, with being more available than he was this season?
Will give him credit in trying to improve his fitness, especially when it’s already on show, just how much our club already means to him?
Worthy of a new contract, and for how long is a huge decision, especially as I don’t think a 1 year rolling contract would be of to much interest to himself imo? But could be the best that we are prepared to offer, all the same?
So potentially an interesting decision awaits upon kelchi, but still will require a striker no matter what, but to find someone again like Maeda who can do both roles, would be a massive boost for ourselves, especially in our squad building process.
Therefore, with 4 potential positions filled, with yang maybe making 5. At least 2 required no matter what happens regarding a new manager. Could yet be a case that a squad place isn’t even available for kelchi, within the setting up of a 25man European squad all the same?
Massive decision awaits.