Nicolas Kühn’s decline in form since the winter break has been one of the more puzzling and disappointing narratives at Celtic this season. At the start of the campaign, the young German winger was a revelation. His dazzling runs, quick feet, and the ability to change a game in an instant earned him rave reviews. It seemed like he was a shoo-in for Celtic’s Player of the Year award, and his potential was clear for all to see. Fans were already making comparisons to Celtic legends, thinking of how his flair could mirror some of the great wingers that have graced the park. However, fast forward to now, and Kühn’s confidence seems to have dropped significantly. The goals have dried up, and his contributions have become less frequent. Just one goal in the Premiership since the winter break paints a picture of a player who is struggling to make an impact. In fact, he was even hooked at half-time by Brendan Rodgers in the shock 1-0 defeat to St Johnstone—a clear sign that the coaching staff is beginning to question his form.

The contrast between Kühn’s early season performances and his more recent showings is stark, and the impact of this has only been magnified by the rise of his more consistent teammate, Daizen Maeda. Maeda’s tireless work ethic, combined with his steady contributions, have made him a fixture in Celtic’s starting lineup. It’s clear now that Maeda, who has been a constant threat this season, will likely be the one to scoop the Player of the Year gong, and not Kühn as many had initially expected. The comparison between the two players is hard to ignore, especially when you consider that Kühn’s place in the starting XI is now under threat.

This is where Peter Grant, the former Celtic player, comes into play. Grant, who knows what it’s like to be under pressure at a club like Celtic, recently offered some candid advice for Kühn. In an appearance on Go Radio, he shared his thoughts, suggesting that the young winger’s struggles could be partly down to his attitude and body language on the pitch. Specifically, Grant pointed out Kühn’s “moody face,” which he believes is detrimental to his overall performance. According to Grant, this moody expression, even in moments of success, gives off an impression of someone who isn’t fully enjoying the experience of playing football.

Grant’s perspective might sound a little old-fashioned or simplistic, but there’s a deeper psychological truth behind it. In football, especially at the elite level, mentality can be just as important as technical skill. While Kühn clearly has the talent—he showed it in his early performances—his mindset seems to have changed, and that could be playing a significant role in his dip in form. When a player’s head isn’t in the right place, it can lead to poor decision-making, a lack of confidence in key moments, and ultimately a loss of sharpness in front of goal.

Grant’s advice to “smile more” is a reminder that, at the end of the day, football is meant to be a passion. It’s meant to be enjoyable. And when you’re playing for a club like Celtic, where the fans are some of the most dedicated and vocal in the world, it’s easy to forget that joy in the midst of expectations. The pressure to succeed at Celtic Park can be overwhelming, but it’s also what makes the club special. The supporters want to see players who are emotionally invested, who are living in the moment, enjoying the privilege of playing in front of thousands of passionate fans. That’s why Grant stresses that Kühn should be savoring these moments rather than looking like he’s trudging through them. If he’s going to live up to the high expectations, he needs to engage with the fans, embrace the highs and lows, and show that he’s genuinely enjoying his football.

It’s easy to forget that Kühn is still relatively new to Scottish football. Playing in the Scottish Premiership, with its demanding style and intense media scrutiny, is a massive step up for any player. And let’s not overlook the physical challenges of Scottish football—gritty winter pitches, high-pressure games, and, of course, the constant spotlight of playing for one of the biggest clubs in the world. It’s possible that Kühn has simply struggled to adjust to this new environment, especially when dealing with the expectations placed on him after a fast start to the season.

But there’s also the fact that football is a mental game as much as a physical one. Players go through peaks and troughs in form, and sometimes it’s not about technical ability or tactical understanding—it’s about the mindset. If Kühn can rediscover his joy for the game, if he can embrace the opportunity that Celtic presents, he could find himself back on track. Grant’s advice could be seen as a form of encouragement. He’s not telling Kühn to forget about improving his footballing abilities—rather, he’s reminding him to reconnect with the emotional side of the game. When players like Kühn smile and show that they’re enjoying themselves, it can not only lift their own confidence but also energize the fans and the team around them.

Kühn’s potential is still there. He’s shown in glimpses what he can do, and there’s no reason why he can’t get back to that level. He has the skill, the creativity, and the flair to be a key player for Celtic. What he might be lacking right now is the belief that he can do it, and that’s something that can be worked on. The road to recovery might not be easy, but it starts with a change in mentality. If Kühn can find the joy in his football again, if he can stop focusing on the pressure and start focusing on the fun and the privilege of playing for Celtic, then the form will follow. And when it does, the goals will undoubtedly start to come.

Ultimately, what Grant is saying is that football is meant to be a joy, not a burden. And if Kühn can embrace that, then he might find himself back to the player he was at the start of the season, ready to challenge for those individual awards and help lead Celtic to more success.