Brendan Rodgers opens up on “difficult” Daizen Maeda situation | OneFootball

Brendan Rodgers has admitted that current situation with Daizen Maeda at Celtic is difficult. The Japanese attacker has struggled to replicate his form from last season, scoring just once this campaign.

Maeda was linked with a summer departure but this fell apart due to the club’s inability to bring in adequate replacements.

The Irishman was asked at the media conference about the decision to substitute Daizen Maeda at half time during the Europa League opener against Red Star Belgrade.

“You can’t underestimate how difficult it is for him”.

He added: “This is a guy who has given absolutely everything for this football club.

“And even sometimes when you want to give your best there’s a sub-conscious thing which can obviously hold you back a little bit.

Benjamin Nygren is seen with Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers as Daizen Maeda looks on after the Scottish Premiership match between Celtic and Livingston at Celtic Park on August 23, 2025. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

“What is important – like any played in this situation – don’t get caught up in this sort of mentality of ‘its’ not fair’.

“When you get caught up in that its really dangerous territory and it’s really hard to move on from.

“You have to move forward, do it for your team-mates, do it for your family, do it for your supporters.

“And eventually you get confidence back and you start to get back to your normal self.

Daizen Maeda scores for Celtic at Rugby Park, Kilmarnock v Celtic, 14 September 2025. Photo Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)

“He has been an incredible player for this club and I’m pretty sure over these coming weeks he will get back to the form he has show.

“I can only talk from the couple of years I have had here, he has been absolutely sensational.

“So he will get back to that but it is always a challenge, it is not a lightbulb you just flick on and off.

“This game is about emotions as well and it can be challenging for players.”

The reality is that Daizen was a victim of the club’s failure to adequately manage the transfer window. The attacker should have been sold while his stock was high, allowing someone young and capable to come in and take his place. Shin Yamada was said to be a player that had the attributes of his compatriot but has failed to impress in the limited outings in the Hoops.

Brendan will hope to get a tune out of Maeda in the coming weeks as the disappointment of the transfer window fades. The manager has said that the club are focusing on January and you’d expect Maeda to look to buckle down and help get his levels up to ensure that he has offers to move on.