Former Celtic midfielder insists he could have played far more games under Brendan Rodgers
Former Celtic midfielder Youssouf Mulumbu has admitted he regrets leaving Parkhead on loan so quickly, believing he could have enjoyed a far more successful spell at the club had he shown greater patience.
The former DR Congo international joined Celtic on a free transfer from Kilmarnock in the summer of 2018 after impressing during his time at Rugby Park.
However, Mulumbu struggled to establish himself in Brendan Rodgers’ side, facing fierce competition for places from established midfielders Scott Brown, Callum McGregor and Nir Bitton.
After just five months in Glasgow, he returned to Kilmarnock on loan in search of regular first-team football before eventually leaving Celtic permanently the following summer.
Reflecting on his brief spell with the Hoops, Mulumbu has now acknowledged that he should have approached the situation differently.
Speaking via The Herald, he said: “Moving to Celtic was a dream because I had always wanted to play for an elite club competing for silverware. The dynamic was very different from Kilmarnock, though. Celtic already had established midfield leaders, Scott Brown, Callum McGregor, and Nir Bitton.
“Forcing my way into that starting lineup was difficult. We had dropped into the Europa League after missing out on Champions League qualification, but Brendan Rodgers already had a settled tactical structure and preferred starting eleven.
“It was tough to break through, but playing at Celtic Park in front of those passionate fans was a special experience. In hindsight, I feel I could and should have done more to secure regular minutes.
“Looking back, I should have shown more patience. Instead of asking to go out on loan the moment I wasn’t starting, I should have stayed, fought for my place in training, and waited for my opportunity. With hindsight, had I stayed put, I would have played far more games for Celtic.”
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