Peter Schmeichel critical of Daizen Maeda after Celtic’s draw against Club Brugge

Add as preferred source on Google

Celtic are still on track to secure a play-off place in the Champions League.

It was a rather disappointing performance from Celtic during their draw against Club Brugge on Wednesday night, but perhaps, it’s a point the fans will accept given how the game panned out.

There is still plenty to play for, including Celtic’s trip to Villa Park on the final matchday of this newly revamped Champions League format.

The game started in a horror manner for Brendan Rodgers because Cameron Carter-Vickers scored an own goal he won’t concede again in his life.

Once again, the Bhoys, as they did against Leipzig last time out, gave themselves a mountain to climb, but this time there was no sign of a goal.

But that’s when, after the hour mark and with the Celtic fans expressing their frustration, the all-action Daizen Maeda produced a magical moment to equalise.

At a very tight angle, his curling effort kissed the post and went into the back of the net to the delight of the Parkhead crowd.

After the game, Peter Schmeichel shared his thoughts on Maeda’s performance and he wasn’t too complimentary.

Peter Schmeichel says Daizen Maeda struggled for Celtic against Club Brugge

One thing you will always get with Maeda is that he will give the opposition a run for their money and make sure they work as hard as they have ever worked.

The Japan star has speed to burn, with quick feet and great balance. He showcased that for his goal, which Schmeichel acknowledged was ‘fantastic’.

But the legendary keeper, whose son was playing in between the sticks for Celtic, felt that a usually ‘important’ player for the team ‘didn’t have the best of games’ and ‘didn’t really do too much’, as he told CBS Sports on Paramount+ (27/11/24 at 10:40 pm).

“Celtic are having a good time and they did come back in the game, in the last 15 minutes, they put so much pressure on Brugge,” said Schmeichel. “I actually thought they were going to win.

“Maeda, who scores this goal, this is a fantastic goal and a great, great finish by him. He didn’t have the best of games. He is an important player. He is someone who closes down the opposition really quick, so he is the first man in the press.

“That goal is a fantastic goal and that was his best action, but he didn’t really do too much. But it looked like a few players there who weren’t on top form.”

Maeda’s stats for Celtic against Club Brugge

Celtic put four goals past Hearts over the weekend and Maeda played just over an hour at Tynecastle after being on international duty with Japan.

Against Club Brugge, WhoScored rated his performance at a very impressive 7.34, despite Schmeichel’s comments.

Given the number of games Maeda is going through, it wouldn’t be a surprise if he is rested for the home clash against Ross County at the weekend.

Especially given the heavy fixture list coming up, with a trip to Aberdeen next midweek, followed by Hibernian, the Champions League and that League Cup final against Rangers on December 15.