Paulo Bernardo has explained why he left Celtic this summer. He told the Daily Record that a shift into a deeper midfield role and inconsistent selection pushed him toward a loan move to Polish side Górnik Zabrze. The Paulo Bernardo Celtic exit was confirmed in August. Górnik holding an option to sign him permanently at the end of the season. It marks his first detailed account of his time under Brendan Rodgers. Confirming the move was driven by a need for regular football rather than any fallout at the club.
Paulo Bernardo Outlines Reasons Behind Celtic Departure
Bernardo said his problems began when Celtic strengthened their midfield options early last season. He explained that Rodgers moved him into a deeper six role. This was rather than the 8 he had played when he first joined Celtic. That the change never suited him. It is a frank admission from a player many supporters had hoped would nail down a regular starting spot this season.
“In the beginning of the season, with the signing of other players, I started to play more as a six and not as my initial position when I joined Celtic. I think that was one of the key facts. In Celtic I never got the consistency to play in a run of games. It was always one or two and then bench again. Then maybe one start and then one bench. I think for me, I never got the consistency. For me, I think that was the problem at Celtic. I started to play in a more deep role. I’m not that comfortable there. I don’t like it that much. I think that was it last season.”
On-Record Comments and Details of Górnik Zabrze Switch
Bernardo joined Górnik Zabrze on loan in August, with an option for the Polish club to sign him permanently at the end of the season. Details of the move, along with his full explanation, came in his Daily Record interview.
He also revealed he spoke with Martin O’Neill in the final days before the deal was completed. He told him he needed to play again.
“It was very important for me to play. I’m still at the age that I need to play. Here, hopefully I can do that for the rest of the season. Of course it all depends on how I can perform. It was a very important thing for me that I need to play football. When I talked to the club, to the coach [Gasparik], he was very happy for me to join and that was a key factor to join here. I spoke to him [O’Neill] the last days that the deal was almost done. I had the conversation with him. I told him I needed to play football and I don’t think in Celtic right now I would have the game time that I needed.”
Positional Role Conflict and Midfield Squad Dynamics
Bernardo was clear about which position suits him best. He wants to play as a number eight. Sitting in midfield but also pushing forward to score and create chances, rather than screening the defence as a six.
“Yes, I think for me that’s the best position I can play because I like to defend in the midfield. I like to attack as well and be closer to the goal and have the opportunity to score goals or to create goals. For me, it’s important to play. I can play as a six as well. I think I play well when I play there. I think I can give more to the game as a No. 8.”
The Paulo Bernardo Celtic case highlights a familiar issue for creative midfielders asked to play deeper than they would like. Celtic’s midfield shape has shifted several times under Rodgers this year. Our comments on recent tactical setups show how often the setup has changed.
Górnik Loan Timeline and Potential Long-Term Future
Bernardo is settled in Poland for now and open to staying for the rest of the campaign if Górnik wants him. He made it clear that his affection for Celtic has not faded.
“If Gornik wants me in the final part of the season, I’m happy here right now. I think it can be a good thing. I always loved my time at Celtic. The football last season, I didn’t enjoy that much because I didn’t play. I was very happy for me and my team to win the championship in that part of the season was amazing, and the cup. I will always love Celtic. I think it’s one of the biggest clubs in the world. I will fight always for my place. You never know in these situations. I don’t have any regrets about joining Celtic. I don’t have any problems joining Celtic again.”
Celtic supporters have plenty to occupy them domestically, including our preview of the derby clash. Bernardo’s situation abroad is still worth following. Górnik’s option to sign him permanently kicks in at the end of the season. No call has been made yet, and Bernardo himself has not ruled out a Celtic return.
