‘Can tell you definitely’: Manager shares honest verdict of £4.5m Celtic man

Follow us on Google Discover

Manolo Jimenez has told The Scottish Sun that Vasilis Barkas will come good at Celtic as the former AEK Athens goalkeeper needs time to adapt after moving during the pandemic.

Celtic signed Barkas form Jimenez’s AEK side last summer for £4.5m, but the Greek shot-stopper’s time at Parkhead has been far from ideal, to say the least. Neil Lennon splashed out on the 27-year-old to replace Fraser Forster, and awarded him a £19k-a-week contract.

Barkas’ debut season in Glasgow was littered with blunders, and his gaffes have continued into Ange Postecoglou’s tenure. Chris Sutton even blames the goalkeeper for Celtic failing to beat Midtjylland in their Champions League first-leg qualifier, via the Daily Record.

Barkas appeared to back out of a potential save when Evander flashed his free-kick into the net. His error gifted Midtjylland a crucial away goal and point to defend in the second-leg. But Jimenez still believes Barkas will come good if Celtic give him the time he needs.

“I can tell you definitely that Vasilis is a great boy and a good goalkeeper,” Jimenez said. “It would not have been easy for him to adapt to a new country during the most difficult time of all with the pandemic on.

“I wish him luck because he deserves it and I hope and think he will come good at Celtic.”

Barkas has a long road to Celtic redemption despite Jimenez backing

Barkas still has a long road ahead to redeem himself at Celtic, despite Jimenez backing the goalkeeper to succeed. The man between the posts has one of the most important tasks on the pitch, and any errors – as proven against Midtjylland – are costly.

There are generally not any players left to provide cover for the goalkeeper if they are ever caught out. And backing out of any saves, rather than being safe and playing the ball, leave shot-stoppers with nowhere to hide.

Barkas now likely faces a fight to save his place in Postecoglou’s plans after costing Celtic in the Champions League. And no words of praise from his former manager in Jimenez will be enough to change that. The only one who can change things is Barkas, and on the pitch.