Maeda can't wallow in 'difficult' situation

Scottish Premiership: Celtic v HIbernian

Venue: Celtic Park Date: Saturday 27 September Time: 15:00 BST

Coverage: Listen to Sportsound commentary on Radio Scotland Extra and BBC Sounds and follow live updates on the BBC Sport website & app

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers says you "can't underestimate how difficult it's been" for Daizen Maeda in recent weeks, but cautions that the Japanese striker cannot allow himself to wallow in his transfer window disappointment.

Last season's player of the year told Japanese media earlier this month that he wanted to leave the Scottish Premiership club in the summer, but a potential move was blocked by Celtic.

The 27-year-old scored 33 goals last term, mainly playing off the left, but has struggled in a more central role this term, scoring just twice in 10 appearances.

The most recent example of that was in Wednesday's Europa League draw with Red Star Belgrade, in which he was replaced at half time.

"This is a guy who's given absolutely everything for this club," Rodgers said. "But it's so important that you don't get caught up in this mentality of 'it's not fair' because it's very dangerous territory and it's hard to move on from."

Some fans and pundits have questioned Maeda's mindset during his early-season troubles and whether that has affected his performances.

Rodgers, though, has no doubt that he will rediscover his best form, not least when he recovered from a minor ankle complaint.

"You have to look forward, do it for your team-mates, your family, your supporters, then eventually you get confidence back and get back to your normal self," he said.

"It's not a light bulb, you just switch the flick on and off. This game is about emotions as well and it can be challenging for players.

"He's a great person, leaves everything on the field and he will continue to give absolutely everything. He's been an incredible player for this club and I'm pretty sure over these coming weeks he'll get back to that level."

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What are the pundits saying?

The midweek draw in Belgrade brought Maeda's tough start to the season into sharper focus.

Speaking during BBC Radio Scotland's coverage of the Europa League game in Serbia, former Celtic winger Aiden McGeady described the Japanese as "not an out-and-out striker".

"Maeda drops deep and he's not that focal point," he said. "The ball keeps coming back the way and he's been caught offside quite a few times."

Former Scotland forward James McFadden agreed, adding that "we more associate him stretching the game and running in behind, and getting his chances there".

Chris Sutton, who filled the centre forward role for Celtic with some distinction also questioned how Maeda was being deployed.

"I feel for him," he posted on X. "A guy who was a revelation playing wide being shoehorned into playing a position he's not comfortable in?

"Surely playing him off the right would be better. Celtic are better with Kelechi Iheanacho as centre forward as they have a focal point and someone to play off. They need to utilise Maeda better."

Iheanacho v Maeda - who should start?

The difference was stark when Iheanacho took over from Maeda at half-time in Belgrade.

Iheanacho provided the focal point up front that Celtic sorely lacked in the first half of the Europa League opener where Maeda was miles below his best.

Within minutes of his introduction, Iheanacho had forced a fine save from goalkeeper Matheus before firing the visitors ahead with a brilliant touch and finish from Benjamin Nygren's pass.

Maeda departed the scene having touched the ball just seven times, including once in the Red Star box, in an ineffective 45 minutes.

The Japan striker made just four passes and his only other contribution of note was being caught offside twice.

Manager Rodgers said: "He wasn't at his best, or nowhere near it. However, he's a good guy and sometimes that happens in the game.

"I could have made a couple of changes at half-time. I wanted to make that one certainly to give us that greater reference at the top of the pitch. I thought Kels coming in was very, very good for us.

"We needed someone centrally to hold the ball up. It's one of Kels' great strengths. So he gave us a much better platform in the second half."

Iheanacho provided a striking contrast, registering three shots - all on target - as well as 14 touches, three of which came in the hosts' box, and seven accurate passes out of eight, highlighting his link-up ability.

What are fans saying about it?

JT: Stop playing Maeda up front. He's a winger.

Rob: Maeda is finished at Celtic.

Stephen B: Rodgers is unable to get the best out of Maeda. He is being worked out of the door. Amazing player under an average manager.

Brian: The Celtic combination isn't right. Maeda is being relied on as a striker. Needs a different arrangement.

Mark: Maeda's head is else where. Would rather we put a player on who wants to be at the club.

Jock: Is Maeda just going through the motions now because he wants to leave?

Scott: It's taken three years, but think Maeda finally needs a rest.

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