“It was lack of respect…” – Celtic star player speaks after winning against Falkirk, reveals what they did to Falkirk before the game…

Celtic’s 5-2 victory over Falkirk in the Scottish League Cup quarter-final on Sunday was far from straightforward. The Championship side shocked Celtic by taking a 2-1 lead at halftime, a performance that left Celtic striker Adam Idah admitting that the team initially underestimated their opponents. Idah’s honesty following the match revealed the team’s complacency, which nearly cost them a place in the semi-finals.

A Humbling Start for Celtic

Despite eventually securing the win, Celtic struggled in the first half, with Falkirk displaying a level of intensity and skill that caught the Premiership champions off guard. Falkirk, a team from Scotland’s second tier, played with heart and determination, making life difficult for Brendan Rodgers’ men.

Rodgers made several changes to his starting lineup, resting key players after a recent Champions League match. Idah was brought in to replace star forward Kyogo Furuhashi, a decision meant to manage the squad’s workload. However, the decision nearly backfired as the new-look Celtic side lacked cohesion and drive in the opening 45 minutes.

Idah, who eventually scored twice in the second half to turn the game around, was candid about the team’s approach to the match. “It was a tough game,” he said. “We came out in the first half, and it was probably the worst start we’ve made this season. They [Falkirk] started off great and kind of blew us away a bit.”

The striker acknowledged that the team’s mindset going into the game wasn’t right. Coming off a high from their Champions League triumph, Celtic seemed to underestimate the challenge Falkirk would pose. Idah admitted, “It was probably a small bit of attitude going into the game. We had a Champions League game the other day, and it was a great win. It was probably a lack of respect for them if I’m honest. We probably didn’t think they were going to be as good as they were.”

Falkirk’s Strong First Half

Falkirk’s performance in the first half was commendable. They took a 2-1 lead into the break, with their pressing and sharp counter-attacks causing problems for a disjointed Celtic team. The Championship side showed no fear, playing with confidence and belief that they could cause an upset.

Their ability to capitalize on Celtic’s slow start was impressive, with the players clearly motivated to make a statement against the Scottish giants. Falkirk’s performance was a reminder that in football, any team can be dangerous on their day, and complacency can quickly lead to disaster.

Celtic’s defense, which had been solid in recent games, looked vulnerable as Falkirk applied pressure. The Bairns’ goals came from well-worked moves, and Celtic’s normally organized backline struggled to cope with their energy and movement.

Rodgers’ Tactical Adjustments

At halftime, it was clear that Celtic needed a change in both attitude and approach. Brendan Rodgers acted swiftly, making key substitutions and adjusting the team’s tactics to regain control of the match. The introduction of Greg Taylor and Nicolas Kuhn, both of whom had been rested at the start, made an immediate impact.

Rodgers’ tactical adjustments proved effective as Celtic began to dominate possession and create more scoring opportunities. The team played with greater intensity, and their superior quality eventually began to show. Idah’s brace in the second half turned the game on its head, while the additional substitutions helped Celtic see out the match in a more comfortable fashion.

Reflecting on the team’s halftime conversation, Idah said, “At half-time, we said to ourselves that this is what the best teams do, they show a comeback. To be fair to the boys, we did.” He also noted the challenge of playing with a different squad setup, adding, “It was a whole new squad, we’ve not played together, which is tough.”

Rodgers, too, acknowledged Falkirk’s strong performance after the match, reportedly visiting their dressing room to congratulate the players on their efforts. The Celtic manager’s respect for the opposition highlighted the competitive nature of the tie and the threat that Falkirk posed for much of the match.

Idah’s Key Role in the Comeback

While Celtic’s overall performance improved in the second half, it was Adam Idah’s two quickfire goals that shifted the momentum decisively in their favor. The 23-year-old striker, who has been gradually finding his place in the team, seized the opportunity when it presented itself.

Idah’s first goal came in the 57th minute, leveling the score at 2-2. There was a tense moment as VAR checked whether he was onside, but the goal was eventually given. “I was quite confident that I was onside,” Idah said. “I had that annoying feeling when you don’t know if it’s in or not. Thank god it was.”

Just a minute later, Idah struck again, giving Celtic the lead for the first time in the match. His second goal effectively ended Falkirk’s resistance and paved the way for Celtic to secure the victory comfortably. Reflecting on the match, Idah expressed his satisfaction, stating, “I then got the second which got us off to a good start. We’re happy with that and we’re into the next round.”

Celtic’s Focus on Improvement

Despite the eventual win, Celtic’s shaky performance in the first half will have raised concerns for Brendan Rodgers and his coaching staff. The team’s lack of focus and underestimation of their opponents nearly cost them a place in the semi-finals, and such lapses could prove more costly against stronger teams.

Idah’s admission of a “lack of respect” for Falkirk is something the club will want to address going forward. Complacency has no place in top-level football, and Celtic will need to ensure they approach every match with the same level of professionalism and intensity.

Looking ahead, Celtic will be keen to build on their second-half performance and avoid similar scares in future cup ties and league matches. With a packed fixture schedule, including their continued Champions League campaign, maintaining focus and consistency will be crucial.

Rodgers has the depth in his squad to rotate players, as he did against Falkirk, but the team will need to avoid complacency, particularly in domestic competitions where upsets are always possible. For Idah, his performance in this match could be a springboard for more regular first-team opportunities, but he and his teammates will need to maintain their concentration in all games, regardless of the opposition.

Conclusion

Celtic’s 5-2 win over Falkirk was a reminder of the unpredictable nature of football. What seemed like a straightforward quarter-final tie turned into a real challenge, and it was only through tactical adjustments and the quality of players like Adam Idah that Celtic were able to advance. The match also highlighted the importance of maintaining respect for every opponent, something Celtic will need to keep in mind as they push forward in their quest for silverware this season.