Paulo Bernardo didn’t do enough to merit a start on Sunday

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The Celtic Star

·3 ottobre 2025

Paulo Bernardo didn’t do enough to merit a start on Sunday

Paulo Bernardo for me is not doing enough to justify a regular start in the Celtic midfield and I can see him being back on the bench on Sunday…

Paulo Bernardo at Firhill. Partick Thistle v Celtic. Premier Sports League Cup. Sunday 21 September. Photo Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)

For weeks now Celtic supporters including myself have been advocating Paulo Bernardo for a starting berth, and mainly at the expense of Reo Hatate, and we got our wish last night when we was named in Brendan Rodgers starting line up against Sporting Braga.

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It’s fair to say that Paulo didn’t cover himself in glory in a very disjointed performance all round, which is a shame as he usually looks effective, particularly on the European scene.

This was the ideal opportunity for the former Portuguese under 21 skipper to prove his credentials and give the manager some much needed food for thought regarding the midfield situation, but like most of his teammates, Paulo didn’t do himself any justice on the night, and despite looking bright early on, like the rest of his teammates, he failed to make any sort of impact on proceedings.

Reo Hatate hasn’t exactly been firing on all cylinders recently, but he looked so much more potent and effective when he was introduced, and Paulo’s chances of a more permanent run in the starting line up seem somewhat faded.

It’s actually hard to point out any of the Celtic midfielders who are actually having a good season so far. Callum McGregor is working hard to try and kick-start things or firefighting in front of the defence but outside the skipper Reo Hatate, Benjamin Nygren, Arne Engels and Luke McCowan have all failed to impress. Paul had is chance last night but like the rest hasn’t impressed.

Celtic line-up prior to the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 League Phase MD2 match between Celtic FC and SC Braga at Celtic Park on October 02, 2025. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Dear knows who starts on Sunday against Motherwell but if I was a betting man I’d say Reo will have the jersey and will be joined by the captain and Nygren, if they are fit.

Just an Ordinary Bhoy

Two things can be true at the same time. Our board are incompetent and have mis managed the running of the football operations of the club. Our manager is also not getting the best out of the players he has available. Brendan has to turn this around soon. HH
– venerdì 3 ottobre 2025

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