That was much needed for Celtic, and especially Daizen Maeda.
It hasn’t been an easy start to the season for Maeda, especially given the fact that he wanted to leave during the 2025 summer transfer window.
But on Sunday, with table-toppers Hearts beating Hibernian with a stoppage-time goal the day before, Celtic followed suit against Motherwell to close the gap at the top to two points.
Maeda’s diving header ensured that Brendan Rodgers’ side secured maximum points, and the Celtic manager wanted to give his flowers to the man from Japan.
Brendan Rodgers praises Daizen Maeda after Celtic beat Motherwell
Nobody is hiding from the fact that Maeda wanted to leave, and Rodgers admitted it’s ‘disappointed’ and also had an ‘effect’ on the versatile forward.
Speaking to BBC Radio Scotland, Rodgers stated that, amid the outside noise, he has asked Maeda to play out of position, on the right flank, even though he wouldn’t prefer to.
Rodgers not only praised Maeda for his winner against Motherwell, but how he has given ‘absolutely everything’ to Celtic during his four years in Glasgow.
“Massive (moment) for Maeda and his family,” said Rodgers. “There is no doubt that everything with the summer will have an effect on him.
“You know how deep it goes when someone like that just isn’t quite the same. But I will also say, beyond that, he is playing on a side where we have a gap. He is having to fill in, so it’s not his preferred position.
“But because of the nature of where we are as a squad. He is having to go in there, and play that role. You see the difference the minute he comes onto the left. He is so incisive. His pressing is different. Just his game is different, and then we kept him on because he has that ability in the box to anticipate and react.
“So, so pleased for him. For four years, this guy, over four years, he has given absolutely everything. His heart and soul to this club. There was probably disappointment for him. Naturally, and I totally respect that.
“But he still turned up. He is working hard every single day, and that there is a special feeling for him.”
Celtic ‘nowhere near the level’ admits Rodgers
Every team needs a game like this, and hopefully, it can spur Celtic to put their foot on the pedal and come out roaring after the October international break.
Despite the three points, Rodgers didn’t sugarcoat anything and admitted that the team is ‘nowhere near’ where he wants them to be.
“We showed a real strong mentality,” said Rodgers. “A real competitive grit and spirit within our team. Even though we aren’t at our levels that we have been in the past, you still have to win.
“When you go 2-1 behind here at Celtic Park, it can be a difficult place to play, but it’s a great credit to the players that they stepped up. The guys coming into the game brought an energy, a mentality and a fitness to the game. It proved in the end the importance of the win for us.
“A really, really good game. Credit to Motherwell as well. Very few teams will try to come play and build the game. How they tried to prepare for the game through the build-up phase. If you aren’t organised, and your structure isn’t good, then they can play through you.
“They did it a few times. Thankfully, we were able to be there, press it, as often as we could, and make a goal from it.
“There is absolutely no doubt that there is a feeling that isn’t quite the Celtic feeling. But on the pitch, to win games of football, is what makes the supporters happy. We are nowhere near our level. I can be clear on that.”
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