Celtic Fans Fume Over Hatate and Maeda After Disappointing Draw Against Dinamo Zagreb
Celtic supporters have expressed their frustration following the team’s 0-0 draw against Dinamo Zagreb in the Europa League, with two players, Reo Hatate and Daizen Maeda, coming under heavy criticism for their subpar performances. The draw left Celtic’s European hopes hanging by a thread, and many fans were quick to point the finger at the Japanese duo, whose lackluster displays stood out on a night when Celtic needed more.
Hatate’s Struggles in Midfield
Reo Hatate, once hailed as one of Celtic’s most promising midfield talents, was widely criticized for his ineffective showing in the middle of the park. Despite his technical ability and vision, Hatate failed to make an impact in what was a crucial game for Celtic’s hopes of advancing in Europe. His passing was sloppy, his positioning was questionable, and he seemed unable to assert control over the game, something that is expected of him at this level.
Celtic fans were vocal in their disappointment. “Hatate was nowhere to be seen tonight,” one fan wrote on Twitter. “He’s not been the same player for a few weeks now, and it’s concerning. We need him to be the engine in midfield, but he was completely off the pace.”
Others pointed to his lack of energy and dynamism, traits that had made him a fan favorite earlier in the season. “We know what he’s capable of, but tonight he was a shadow of that player. It’s frustrating because we rely on him to drive us forward,” another supporter posted.
Hatate’s recent dip in form is a concern for both manager Brendan Rodgers and the Celtic faithful. With the club needing creativity in midfield to break down tough European opposition, fans are hoping the 26-year-old can quickly return to his best.
Maeda’s Lack of End Product
Daizen Maeda, who has often been praised for his work rate and off-the-ball movement, also drew heavy criticism following the draw. While Maeda’s industry was evident throughout the match, his lack of end product – particularly in the final third – became a talking point for many. The winger’s inability to make the most of the opportunities that came his way left many supporters frustrated.
Despite his tireless running and pressing, Maeda failed to create meaningful chances or get into dangerous positions. His final ball and finishing were notably poor, and his inability to link up effectively with Kyogo Furuhashi or create space for his teammates left many fans questioning his effectiveness in the system.
“Maeda’s work ethic is never in doubt, but his quality in the final third was sorely lacking again tonight,” one fan commented. “He had chances to make something happen, but whether it was poor decision-making or just bad execution, he wasn’t good enough.”
Another fan added, “We need goals and assists from him if he’s going to be starting in big games. Unfortunately, his performance tonight was a reminder that he’s still not consistent enough.”
The Bigger Picture: Celtic’s European Woes
Celtic’s 0-0 draw against Dinamo Zagreb now leaves them in a precarious position in their Europa League group. With qualification still within reach, the team needs to improve in key areas, and fans are growing increasingly concerned about the form of some of their top players, particularly Hatate and Maeda.
The frustration directed at the Japanese pair highlights the high expectations surrounding them, given their importance to Brendan Rodgers’ system. While both players have shown flashes of brilliance in the past, their inability to perform at a high level in this crucial European fixture has raised questions about their consistency and suitability for such games.
Time for Change?
As Celtic heads into their next set of fixtures, supporters are calling for immediate improvement from Hatate and Maeda. Some have suggested that changes to the lineup or tactical adjustments may be necessary if the pair fail to turn things around.
“Rodgers has to be honest with himself,” one fan said. “If Hatate and Maeda are not performing, then they shouldn’t be starting these big games. Celtic can’t afford passengers in Europe.”
With their European ambitions hanging by a thread, Celtic fans will be hoping that Hatate and Maeda can find their best form quickly. The pressure is on both players to show they can deliver when it matters most, and Celtic’s hopes of progressing may depend on whether they can shake off their recent struggles.
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