It’s never a dull day at Celtic, and that continues to be the case post the opening game of the Europa League in midweek.
On Wednesday night, Celtic recorded a 1-1 draw against Red Star Belgrade, with a lot of interesting stories coming out of that match.
Yes, everyone has known about the fan protests in recent times, but that took a backseat in Belgrade.
Brendan Rodgers’ call to take Daizen Maeda off at half-time was an interesting one, but not a surprising call by the Celtic manager.
Daizen Maeda looks ‘confused’ at Celtic
Everyone is aware of Maeda’s situation and how he wanted to leave in the summer, but it was only revealed once the transfer window slammed shut.
Stiliyan Petrov told TNT Sports that Scotland’s PFA Player of the Year looks ‘confused’, and playing up top isn’t helping his cause.
The legendary Celtic midfielder explained why Maeda needs to return to playing out wide.
“He looks confused,” stated Petrov. “Previously, we touched on it, about Celtic being fluent and creating chances. He’s getting chances. He’s not even getting chances now.
“But when you play as a winger, you get the ball all the time. If the team is in trouble, you have got the pace, you have got the skills, you can get in the box, and you are enjoying it.
“But when you aren’t involved, you don’t feel part of the game. His movement looked lost (against Red Star Belgrade). He was confused. Does he come short? He doesn’t get used. He stands still. He wants to see the game. He wants to adjust to the game, but he just doesn’t get involved.”
Maeda urged to be more ‘vocal’ towards his teammates
Celtic signed Maeda in 2022 from Yokohama F. Marinos when Ange Postecoglou was in charge, and he has proven to be a great servant to the club.
It also means, not only by age, but by time spent in Glasgow, he is one of the more senior men in the Celtic dressing room.
Given Maeda’s frustrations, especially when playing up top and when he isn’t getting the service, Petrov urged the Japan star to be more ‘vocal’ with his teammates.
“Only eight touches,” added Petrov. “If I am a striker, then I would get frustrated.
“I used to play with strikers; if they don’t get the ball, they are on your case. He has kind of accepted it. He has got that (Japanese) culture. ‘I am here, I will do my best.’
“But sometimes, you have to be vocal. He has been in the team for long enough to have a voice and say, ‘I want that ball. I want to be part of it.’”
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