Hack tries to sell Daizen Maeda at Brendan’s post match media conference | OneFootball

Brendan Rodgers spoke to the media after Celtic’s clinical 5-1 victory against Aberdeen last night at Celtic Park as the Bhoys took another step closer to 4IAR…

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers during the Scottish Premiership match between Celtic FC and Aberdeen FC at Celtic Park, on 25th February 2025. (Picture by Mark Runnacles)

Q: Brendan, a 5-1 win against a team third in the league table at the moment, what do you make of that?

Brendan Rodgers: “Well, obviously the result and the scoreline was very impressive. I thought that in the first half our goals were very good. I wasn’t so happy with their pressing, that was not quite right. Then we were a wee bit loose with the ball, but the mentality was there in the team to be clinical. I thought the second half we were much better. We played the game mostly in their half, suffocated the game and then scored two more wonderful goals. So, yes, a really pleasing scoreline against a team that found that wee bit of form again and have good quality players. But we showed a real ambition in the game and it was very good.”

Q: How good was it to be back here after last week? You know, the emotionally draining game in Munich when the team performed so well just at the last minute. Obviously, there was Hibs on Saturday. How good was it to be back here in front of your fans and back to winning ways?

Brendan Rodgers: “Yes, it was very important. I mentioned before the game to the players, I think one of the traits that is within this team and what I recognise is the resilience in the team. Any moment this season when we’ve had a little bump, the mentality to come again has been there and that was what we had today. We were disappointed not to take something from the game at the weekend, but we knew in a very quick turnaround we had to get our energy up and show the ambition again. They did that. I have to say, they’re going to have little spells like they had in the first half because for three and a half odd months, they’ve been relentless in what I’ve been asking them to do and play and have that mentality every single game. So, you’re going to have little moments, but when you do, then you still have to show your quality and they’ve done that all tonight in a great win for us.”

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Daizen Maeda celebrates scoring the opening goal of the game during the Scottish Premiership match between Celtic and Aberdeen at Celtic Park, on 25th February 2025. (Pihoto by Mark Runnacles)

Q: You say relentless. One player who typifies that is Daizen Maeda at the moment. Another two goals tonight, 25 for the season. He just seems to play every minute, constantly running. What do you make of him, not just tonight, but over the last few weeks?

Brendan Rodgers: “Yes, he’s a great symbol for our team and the collective. What I asked of him in terms of the pressing and he’s, I’ve said before, he’s the highest level of that and just the intensity that he presses. Then I believe he can score in whatever position he plays along the front line. You’ve seen him score goals from the right side, from the left side and as a central striker. His first goal was wonderful anticipation to get onto it. And the second goal is what he’s shown a lot this season, where he’s in the areas we want him to be in after a brilliant cross by Alistair Johnston. So, as I said, a great symbol of how we play, how we work, how we train and deserving of everything he’s getting so far.”

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Daizen Maeda celebrates scoring the opening goal of the game during the Scottish Premiership match between Celtic and Aberdeen at Celtic Park on 25th February 2025. (Picture by Mark Runnacles)

Q: Does that just demonstrate his hunger, getting in there in the last knockings of the game when the game’s already done?

Brendan Rodgers: “Yes, absolutely. And he shows that every day in training. That’s the beauty of it. So, yes, the ambition is there for the team. 3-0 up, we want to score more goals, we want to create more. And like I said, he typified that. Great for Hyunjun Yang as well, because he scored a wonderful goal. Great combination play and Luke McCowan finds him with a really good pass and he makes a really good finish. So, yes, they all contribute to a great win.”

Q: I’m just wondering, do you think Daizen is a better player now than when you came back two years ago?

Brendan Rodgers: “Well, I think he was a fantastic player when I came in. We’ve just tried to make him more efficient. I think it’s recognising that they have to score goals, the wingers. I’ve always said that with my teams, whether it was the first time here – wingers, you have to create and score goals. He’s just developing like you would as a football player. Players get better and improve and gain confidence. And from that, they get success. That’s what he’s had this season.”

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Celtic s Jota scores and celebrates his goal with Arne Engels during the Scottish Premiership match between Celtic and Aberdeen at Celtic Park, on 25th February 2025 . Picture by Mark Runnacles Celtic v Aberdeen

Q: Arne Engels is continuing to improve for you. He was involved in your opening two goals, got the Man of the Match award. You must be pleased with how he’s developed?

Brendan Rodgers: “Yes, I think you see tonight he’s running power and the qualities that he’s shown. He won’t score the goals that maybe some other midfield players will do. But he has other qualities of why we brought him here. And he’s only going to get better and grow. So, yes, I’m pleased for him for Jota’s goal he makes a great supporting run to be up there. And then he does what we want him to do to assist. And if it was a team-mate in a better position, you’d find him and Jota just about scores it.”

Daizen Maeda celebrates scoring his second goal during the Scottish Premiership match between Celtic and Aberdeen at Celtic Park, on 25th February 2025. (Picture by Mark Runnacles)

Q: With Daizen, do you have any concerns about bigger clubs coming in for him? He’ll be attracting attention with these numbers?

Brendan Rodgers: “I would think he would. I think a number of the players will because of their efficiency and their work. Not only that, they’ve done it at the highest level. If you’re doing it at a Champions League level, then you’re showing that you can do it on that stage. So, yes, I think if you’re scoring goals like he has, work as hard as he does, then, of course, that will always bring attention. But I also think that the team and the structure of the team really promotes his qualities. So, yes, I’m happy for the boys to be doing well.”

The Celtic manager also spoke to Celtic TV and Sky Sports after the 5-1 win over Aberdeen.

Conor Spence

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