Callum Davidson thinks Hyunjun Yang ‘doesn’t understand’ Brendan Rodgers’ system after Celtic dropped points at home to Motherwell on Saturday.
It was a frustrating afternoon for Celtic, with another penalty missed, this time by Luis Palma, and the team as a whole just not playing with that speed and venom – Callum McGregor made his feelings clear post-match.
Sometimes, returning back from the international break can result in teams being a little pedestrian, but Celtic shouldn’t have any excuses here – Chris Sutton raised two questions.
Ex-St Johnstone boss Callum Davidson thinks that the Bhoys were ‘slow’ in their play, especially out wide and he highlighted the issues with Hyunjun Yang, as he told Sportscene.
The 21-year-old started the game and was subbed off in stoppage time for debutant Marco Tilio.
Hyunjun Yang against Motherwell
“There was a lock of penetration,” said Davidson. “You get to these areas here (out wide). Normally that ball goes in (and played forward to the on-rushing player on the edge of the box).
“I don’t know if Yang, he is new to the system, he has to get his head up and look towards those patterns of play. Celtic were always looking to get in between the 18-yard box. It happened quite a lot.
“The ball goes out wide. Celtic are known to play those passes. There is O’Riley, he wants that ball in behind. That’s what he has been working on. That’s how they get their chances.
“Again, Yang is new to the system. He doesn’t quite understand. They were a wee bit laboured and a bit slow. But they are missing a few key players.”
Hyunjun Yang needs time
The young kid only joined this summer and is still in the very early stages of his career, so time is needed. Plus, it wasn’t so long ago that he was producing his best moment in a Celtic shirt against Aberdeen.
Yes, at a club the size of Celtic, he needs to learn fast, but there is something to work on for Rodgers.
You would imagine, with Lazio up next in the Champions League and it being a must-win, that he won’t start in Italy – Lazio suffered a shock defeat leading into the game.
But whatever call Rodgers makes, this is now going to be one of the most crucial periods of the season.
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