Sebastian Tounekti says his Tunisia teammates will need to look out for Daizen Maeda when they meet Japan this weekend.
Remarkably, Tunisia sacked their manager after their 5-1 defeat to Sweden on the opening matchday of Group F.
Tounekti’s Celtic teammate Benjamin Nygren started that game, and ahead of their clash with the Samurai Blue, the 23-year-old doesn’t want Maeda enjoying similar success.
He did, however, acknowledge Maeda’s immense contribution to a league and cup double winning season for the Hoops.
Sebastian Tounekti on Daizen Maeda: ‘He’s been really good for us’
Previewing the Monterrey showdown, Tounekti said via Zocalo Web: “To be honest, when I play matches, I don’t focus so much on other teams…
“But I have one of my mates playing there, when I play for Celtic: Maeda.
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“He’s been really good for us, so he’s a player to look for — but I think as a team we just have to focus on ourselves.
“It’s a big game, and we have a lot to prove to people.”
On the turbulence of having boss Sabri Lamouchi abruptly replaced by Herve Renard, he said: “It’s no problem. We are professional players. We are used to stuff like this happening.
“I also think the [new] coach brought new energy into the group, he brought some clearness, so I’m really looking forward to working under him, and to see what we can achieve in these last two games.
On playing at the tournament itself, he concluded: “I think it’s always special to play in the World Cup, you know? To represent your country and to play this cup is amazing.
“And to be able to do that, I’m really honoured, and we have to show it on the pitch.”
How Celtic players fared in their opening World Cup matches
Maeda started for Japan as they secured an impressive 2-2 draw with the Netherlands in the other game in Group F.
Alistair Johnston also started, playing 90 minutes for Canada in their 1-1 draw against Bosnia, a game they really ought to have won.
Hyunjun Yang, Kieran Tierney, Anthony Ralston and Auston Trusty all watched from the bench as their respective sides won their opening matches.
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