Celtic Manager Defends Striker Daizen Maeda Amidst Struggles
Scottish Premiership: Celtic vs. Hibernian
Venue: Celtic Park Date: Saturday, 27 September Time: 15:00 BST
Coverage: Listen to Sportsound commentary on Radio Scotland Extra and BBC Sounds, and follow live updates on the BBC Sport website and app.
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has acknowledged the challenges faced by Daizen Maeda in recent weeks but has urged the Japanese striker not to dwell on his transfer window disappointment. Earlier this month, Maeda expressed to Japanese media his desire to leave the Scottish Premiership club, but a potential move was blocked by Celtic.
The 27-year-old forward, who was last season's player of the year, scored 33 goals while primarily playing on the left wing. However, he has struggled in a central role this season, managing only two goals in ten appearances. His recent performance in Wednesday's Europa League draw with Red Star Belgrade, where he was substituted at halftime, has further highlighted these difficulties.
Rodgers stated, "This is a guy who has given everything for this club. However, it's crucial not to get caught up in a mentality of 'it's not fair,' as it can be a dangerous mindset that makes it hard to move forward." Some fans and analysts have raised concerns about Maeda's mindset affecting his performance during this challenging start to the season.
Despite these concerns, Rodgers remains confident that Maeda will regain his form, especially after recovering from a minor ankle injury. He emphasized the importance of focusing on teammates, family, and supporters to rebuild confidence, stating, "It's not as simple as flipping a switch. The game is emotional, and it can be challenging for players." He praised Maeda as a dedicated player who always gives his all and expressed belief that he will return to his previous level of performance in the coming weeks.
What are the pundits saying?
The recent draw in Belgrade has intensified scrutiny on Maeda's performance this season. During BBC Radio Scotland's coverage of the Europa League match, former Celtic winger Aiden McGeady remarked that Maeda is "not an out-and-out striker," noting that he tends to drop deep rather than serve as a focal point for the attack. He added that Maeda has been caught offside multiple times.
Former Scotland forward James McFadden echoed this sentiment, pointing out that Maeda is typically more effective when stretching the game and making runs behind the defense. Chris Sutton, a former Celtic center-forward, also questioned Maeda's deployment, suggesting that he is being forced into a role that does not suit him. Sutton argued that playing Maeda from the right would be more beneficial and that Celtic would perform better with Kelechi Iheanacho as the center forward, providing a more effective focal point for the attack.
Iheanacho vs. Maeda - Who Should Start?
The contrast between Iheanacho and Maeda was evident when Iheanacho replaced Maeda at halftime in Belgrade. Iheanacho provided the attacking presence that Celtic lacked in the first half, quickly making an impact by forcing a save from the goalkeeper and scoring with a brilliant touch and finish shortly after his introduction.
In contrast, Maeda had a challenging first half, touching the ball only seven times and making four passes, while also being caught offside twice. Rodgers acknowledged Maeda's struggles, saying, "He wasn’t at his best, but that can happen in football. I wanted to make that change to provide a better reference point at the top of the pitch, and Kels did very well for us." Iheanacho's performance highlighted his strengths, as he registered three shots on target and demonstrated effective link-up play with 14 touches, three of which were in the opposition's box.
What are fans saying about it?
JT: Stop playing Maeda up front. He’s a winger.
Rob: Maeda is finished at Celtic.
Stephen B: Rodgers is unable to get the best out of Maeda. He is being worked out the door. Amazing player under an average manager.
Brian: The Celtic combination isn’t right. Maeda is being relied on as a striker. Needs a different arrangement.
Mark: Maeda’s head is elsewhere. I’d rather we put a player on who wants to be at the club.
Jock: Is Maeda just going through the motions now because he wants to leave?
Scott: It’s taken three years, but I think Maeda finally needs a rest.
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