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Kasper Schmeichel couldn’t resist a dig during his punditry duties as Celtic secured victory in the first leg of their Champions League play-off tie. Schmeichel, 39, was forced into retirement last season through multiple shoulder injuries that required surgery. He came under heavy criticism for his performances for the Hoops as it became painfully obvious he wasn’t fully fit. Viljami Sinisalo took over as number one during the back end of last season and remains first choice. The Finland international was called into action just after the half-hour mark on Wednesday night and kept LASK at bay – which could prove crucial in the return leg. The Celtic support were in full voice under the floodlights and their backing undoubtedly drove the team on. Schmeichel experienced first-hand how dishamorny between fans and the hierarchy can affect performances on the pitch. There were various chants and protests last season against the board as patience wore thin at the lack of recruitment and long-term vision. The former Denmark goalkeeper spoke of the importance of unity at the club and how things seem to be heading in the right direction. He said (TNT Sports): “As a player you have to not get carried away by that emotion. “You had the massive emotion of winning the league in the 98th-minute. “The most important thing is this place [Celtic Park]; it’s the unity.” He then spoke of the conflict during last season, all while firing a tongue-in-cheek dig at Rangers: “Last year there were a lot of things going on off the field. As a player it was really uncomfortable, you really struggled with it. But they’ve come in this season, they’ve done their business, they’ve got into the season really well. “It always helps that the team across the road aren’t doing too well. That’s all a part of the whole experience of being a part of Celtic Football Club. “They’re in a really good place. The next game – that’s massive now. The first goal in the next game, they get that and they kill the tie, but if they concede it then it’ll be a really tough one.” “It always helps that the team across the road aren’t doing too well” 😅 Kasper Schmeichel speaks on the unity at Celtic during their successful start to the season 👏 🎙️@msmith850 | 📺 Watch live on TNT Sports & HBO Max pic.twitter.com/cnXB1s3vOR — Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) August 19, 2026 Despite Schmeichel still not being a favourite amongst some supporters due to how his Celtic career ended, he continues to rave about the club he spent two years at. His comment about the Ibrox club was in good jest, and shows he’s keeping a close eye on Scottish football. His performances during his first campaign at the Celts cannot be forgotten. Brendan Rodgers brought him to the club, and he remained an ever-constant as the Hoops went on to secure a league and cup double, while reaching the 24/25 Champions League knockout phase. Similar to Joe Hart, he only has positive things to say about the fanbase, and the club has clearly left a lasting impression on him as he embarks on his post-playing journey.