It’s the one every Celtic fan has been waiting for.
Celtic host Bayern Munich in a huge Champions League showdown on Wednesday night and it provides Brendan Rodgers’ side with a chance to cause an upset.
The team go into the match in strong form, Celtic put five past Raith Rovers in the Scottish Cup on Saturday, days after hitting Dundee for six.
Yes, Bayern are going to be a different ball game altogether, but from a mental standpoint, the confidence is high and everyone is feeling good about themselves.
It also needs to be noted that Bayern’s defeats in the Champions League this season have all come on the road – away at Aston Villa, Barcelona and Feyenoord.
But the obvious of Daizen Maeda being suspended is a huge blow for Celtic because he can argue that he has been the best player in Scotland this season.
Charlie Mulgrew reacts to Jota to replace Daizen Maeda for Celtic’s clash against Bayern Munich
Charlie Mulgrew was ringside for Celtic’s win over Raith Rovers and he spoke to Rodgers post-match, as they agreed about Maeda’s absence being a blow.
The Japan star’s work rate off the ball and his ability to stretch teams was noted, as Mulgrew told Premier Sports that he is going to be a ‘massive miss’.
But Rodgers stated, ‘we have to accept that and we get to play probably Jota instead,’ with Mulgrew adding ‘bringing in Jota isn’t bad’, as he told Premier Sports (08/02/25 at 7:40 pm).
“He is a huge miss for that game,” said Mulgrew. “He is somebody, off the ball he works so hard as a forward player, then when he goes in behind he stretches teams. He offers that option in behind. He is a huge loss for Celtic against Bayern Munich.”
Rodgers stated “I think he is a massive miss. The reality. When you see that. Pace will always hurt you. He is just so explosive. You watch his third goal there. The wing-back probably thinks he has him. But I was really pleased with his and Yang’s goals – he is a miss, of course, because of his intensity and work rate. Now what we are getting is consistent goals from him. Okay, now we have to accept that and we get to play probably Jota instead.”
Mulgrew added: “Bringing in Jota isn’t bad. What you don’t get from Jota is that running capacity. You don’t get it from anybody. That way he counter presses and that way he runs back. To be fair, to bring Jota in attack and it’s a great option to have.”
Maeda’s game has changed at Celtic
Maeda was a fantastic player under Ange Postecoglou, but you sensed that all-action style needed some finesse and ruthless quality in the final third.
Mulgrew feels that has now been brought to the table and his finishing has vastly improved under the stewardship of Rodgers.
That’s why Maeda is sitting on 21 goals in all competitions this season and easily aiming to hit beyond the 30 mark by the time the season is out.
On Maeda’s hat-trick: “The finishing is the most impressive thing, for me,” added Mulgrew.
“When you think back to last year or the year before. He got in a lot of good positions, but his technique and composure wasn’t great – but now he has added that to his game, which is dangerous stuff.”
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