Reo Hatate has answered a lot of questions since arriving at Celtic 18 months ago.
The Japan international has been a revelation since his move from Kawasaki Frontale. He’s netted vital derby goals, produced moments of magic against Europe’s best and dazzled us with his close control and passing.
But one less important matter has puzzled the Celtic support in recent times: why does Hatate stand during the pre-match huddle?
The huddle is one of the most iconic parts of modern-day Celtic. It dates back to July 1995 when club captain Tony Mowbray gathered his team together prior to a pre-season friendly in Germany. (Celtic Wiki)
Since then, Celtic sides have got together before every match, leaned forward and listened to their captain.
Hatate hasn’t ever seemed to master the leaning forward bit, instead standing up straight. He was joined by a few of his team-mates in a photo the club shared after Saturday’s win over Portimonense. In the nicest possible way, it was a bit of a mess.
But it turns out there’s a reason for it all.
Speaking to the Celtic View back in November, (volume 58, issue, 2, page 19) Hatate was asked by supporter Mick Ward why he stood up straight in the huddle.
“I prefer to see the speaker’s face,” he replied. “If my head is down I can’t see his face.
“So I keep my body straight and I try to make eye contact with him.”
So there we go. Hatate has given his reason and it seems like there’s a bit of thought behind it.
Many may question why he wouldn’t just raise his head while leaning down, like all of our previous players, but each to their own.
It’s hardly a major issue, but it is one that seems to have interested Celtic fans. So it’s nice to know a bit more about it.
Let’s hope Hatate is around to stand up a good few more times this season. And win a few trophies.
In other news, Celtic have touched down in Japan ahead of an important week in our pre-season preparations
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