Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou has explained why Daizen Maeda’s first-half strike against Livingston wasn’t simply down to luck.
The Japanese forward returned to the Hoops starting line-up on Wednesday evening, as Celtic ran out 3-0 winners in the Scottish Premiership fixture.
And he made the perfect return, scoring the second of three first-half goals, which helped the Bhoys take in a comfortable lead at the break.
Supporters regularly see Maeda using his pace to get the better of defenders or using his smart movement to find a way to goal.
However, his strike against Livingston could be described as slightly fortuitous after he blocked a clearance from the Livingston defence with his face.
The surprise effort on goal caught Livi’s number one Shamal George off guard and found the back of the net to make the scoreline 2-0.
Although some might say, the goal was down to luck, Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou explained why it wasn’t simply down to that factor.
The 57-year-old stated that the goal was a product of Maeda’s hard work, which sees him hassle opposition defenders into making mistakes.
When asked if the goal might have been slightly lucky, Ange joked [The Herald]: “You love that word, don’t you?”, following the comments made by Rangers boss Michael Beale.
“It’s just so easy! How many runs does Daizen make in a game? It was a product of his hard work. Anyone who watches Daizen sees he’s constantly making runs and constantly in those areas.
“There were a couple of times he lacked a bit of composure, but he’s always there – that’s why he gets his goals. I’ve known him for a while now, and he always gets goals.
“Sometimes he gets goals which people will say, for want of a better word, fortuitous. But on the back of him just working his backside off every time we get the ball. He gets his rewards for it.”
Ange is right to put out Maeda’s hard work rather than goal simply being ‘luck’.
Although it would be fair to say that Celtic were a little lucky in the way that the second goal came last night, Ange Postecoglou is spot on to point out Maeda’s hard work.
Yes, the Japanese international didn’t mean to finish the move off in that fashion. However, the reason Livingston were choosing to clear the ball as soon as possible is because of the hard work of players like Maeda.
In the back of their minds, they know that if the ball isn’t cleared instantly, Celtic number 38 will be on their case almost instantly.
So in a way, the winger makes his own luck, thanks to the hard yards he puts in on the left-hand side.
The goal certainly won’t go down as a goal-of-the-season contender. However, it is another product of the hard work that each and every player within this team puts in.
In other news, Southampton nearly bid for 21-year-old Celtic player, prefer summer move.
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