Daizen Maeda has addressed Ange Postecoglou’s Celtic exit whilst on international duty with Japan. In a report in the local media, the Celtic winger spoke about winning the treble when he was asked what he thought about Ange leaving to join Spurs.
Maeda said [Daily], “It’s not easy to win titles. It is the result of a year of hard work as a team.
“I have the impression that I have changed a little.” The report indicates that Maeda feels he has matured as a footballer.
Maeda was then asked to comment on Ange Postecoglou’s move to Spurs. The 25-year-old said, “I think he is a great person and I think I can play on a higher stage because of what he has built up as a manager. I want to do my best to be as good as him.” [translated by Deep L]
Now context is important here. Maeda is not saying that he wants to move from Celtic but that he feels he is more equipped for the international stage because of the input from his former manager. No doubt someone somewhere will create a headline that suggests otherwise.
The Japanese winger spoke yesterday about how current Celtic coach, Harry Kewell has helped to develop the attacking side of his game.
It’s clear from these comments that Maeda feels more confident representing Japan after the input from both Postecoglou and Kewell.
Clearly, Ange and Maeda have a close bond. The former Celtic manager has taken the Japanese winger from Matsumoto Yamaga to join him at Yokohama F Marinos. After spending two seasons with Postecoglou, the Australian then moved to bring him with him to Celtic.
Maeda has been one of the key players for Celtic this season and it will be interesting to see how he develops under a new manager to help us defend the Treble.
In other news, Guy Luzon: Celtic winger Liel Abada won’t take part in the u21 European Championships
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