Celtic fans can still trust Daizen Maeda to give maximum effort | OneFootball

Daizen Maeda arrived late to the last Japanese international camp, and the reason soon became clear. He was trying to finalise a transfer away from Celtic…

Daizen Maeda of Celtic & Jordan Obita of Hibernian. Celtic v Hibernian, Scottish Premiership,Celtic Park, 27 September 2025. Photo Stuart Wallace IMAGO/Shutterstock

By all accounts, the club had agreed in principle to the move. Brendan Rodgers later admitted he had known of Maeda’s wish for a new challenge as far back as February. From Maeda’s perspective, it appeared a deal had been done.

It’s believed Celtic asked him to play in the Champions League qualifier before moving on. He had packed his bags, said goodbye to his teammates, the captain even confirmed as much, and was ready to leave. But once again, Celtic’s failure to manage a transfer window properly came back to bite. A replacement could not be signed in time, and the move collapsed.

Daizen Maeda – Crvena zvezda vs Celtic Glasgow UEFA Europa league match at Rajko Mitic stadium, Belgrade 24.09.2025Belgrade Rajko Mitic stadium Serbia. Photo: VM/MN Press

The transfer window closed, and Maeda was left in limbo. When he eventually flew out to Japan, he was asked why he had arrived late. Perhaps it was cultural respect, perhaps frustration, perhaps just honesty, but he told the truth. He had been trying to arrange a move away from Celtic, and the promises made to him had been broken.

It wasn’t ideal. His comments, quickly picked up and carried back to Scotland, only added fuel to the fire. All summer there had been rumours of a move, possibly to the Bundesliga. Now those whispers grew louder.

When the new season had begun, Maeda didn’t look as sharp as usual. After a sensational campaign where he had broken the 30-goal barrier, perhaps a drop-off was inevitable. Maintaining those levels is another challenge altogether.

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

His work rate could not be questioned, but he looked a few percentage points off his maximum. With the backdrop of his Japan comments, the whispering soon turned into accusations, not at his best became not trying hard enough, and so on.

The easy thing to say is that Maeda should have kept quiet. But is it fair to keep a player who made clear he wanted to leave? The club pay his wages, yes. He signed his contract, yes. On paper, Celtic held the power. But footballers are human beings, not just contractual assets.

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

Imagine where his head was at when he arrived late for international duty, facing questions about why. With a World Cup on the horizon, perhaps he worried the Japanese press and public would see tardiness as arrogance. Without a PR minder to shield him, he gave the honest answer. That calmed the storm in Japan, but inflamed it in Scotland.

Far from ideal, yes. Did he create problems for himself? Probably. Did he take the sting out of the situation back home? Almost certainly.

The criticism in Scotland has remained consistent, but is it fair? Possibly, possibly not. What we must recognise is that Celtic supporters are still scarred by the Covid season, arguably the club’s worst of the century. Promised moves were blocked, players visibly downed tools, and the fallout was disastrous. Now, whenever a player is perceived to have checked out, every touch, every run, every mistake is analysed under a microscope. That context matters.

Daizen Maeda modelling the brand new Celtic FC x adidas Terrace Icons collection

And yet, when it comes to work rate, Maeda continues to give everything. Against Belgrade he looked tactically off it, caught offside repeatedly in a counter-attacking setup.

Subbed at half-time, it was one of his poorest displays, but his work rate off the ball in that first half, his pressing, his effort, was still Daizen. And not long before, at Rugby Park, he scored the opener with a superbly timed header and celebrated passionately, not a common occurrence with Daizen, pointing to the badge. To me, that was a clear message, I’m still here. I’m still playing for you.

Maeda has never been one to show much emotion. Even teammates, language barrier aside, probably find him hard to read. He’s not even a football obsessive, baseball is his first sporting love. Football is his job, but he does it with absolute commitment.

Continues on the next page…

Daizen Maeda theRangers v Celtic, 31 August 2025. Photo Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)

He’s now in his fifth season at Celtic and has been a clear success. Last season was his best yet. What more is there for him to give? Scottish football is not an easy sell to overseas players, the repetitive fixture list, the long winters, the poor officiating, the physical treatment meted out to Celtic players in particular.

Add to that the club’s lack of ambition. After knocking on the Champions League door, the board downsized. It’s probably no coincidence Maeda told Rodgers he wanted out just after the January window, when Celtic sold Kyogo and failed to sign a replacement, a striker who might have made the difference against Bayern, where Celtic fell by a solitary goal.

Players see the direction of travel. Maeda saw downsizing, and he acted. He told the club he wanted to go, packed his bags, said his goodbyes. When asked in Japan, he told the truth.

Daizen Maeda of Celtic reacts to missing an opportunity Kairat Almaty v Celtic, UEFA Champions League, Play-Off Round, Second Leg, Football, Almaty Central Stadium, Almaty, Kazakhstan – 26 Aug just 2025Almaty Almaty Central Stadium Kazakhstan Photo Nikita Bassov/Shutterstock

That honesty has fuelled a pile-on. But to me, that feels unfair. If his performances have dipped, if he looks less sharp, is that not understandable? Imagine returning to work after saying your goodbyes, even handing out the cakes and collecting the farewell card, only to still be there the next day. Would you feel fully yourself? Or embarrassed, self-conscious, second-guessing how others perceive your commitment?

Maeda has had spells like this before, effort always there, end product occasionally not. Rodgers coaxed consistency from him last season, but even without that, he remains a pressing machine, still effective, still dangerous. He’s already played three positions this season, across the front line, with constantly changing teammates. That lack of stability impacts form.

If he never hits last year’s heights again, he still offers goals, assists, and relentless pressing. And will he now regret his honesty with the Japanese press? Perhaps. But the past can’t be changed. What matters is that right now, Daizen Maeda is still giving everything for Celtic.

The relationship between player and club may be nearing its natural end. The sands of time are slipping away. But while he’s here, he deserves respect. He has been treated poorly by the club’s shambolic recruitment and broken promises, yet has never thrown his toys out of the pram. He is no Wissa at Brentford, no Isak at Newcastle, no sulking star across the city.

Callum McGregor and Daizen Maeda of Celtic after the Scottish Premiership match between Celtic and Livingston at Celtic Park on August 23, 2025 . (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Maeda told the truth. Some harm was done. But he hasn’t deliberately dropped his levels, he’s simply re-adjusting after believing he had checked out.

If there’s one player Celtic fans can still trust to give maximum effort, it’s Daizen Maeda. And he’ll prove it again soon enough.

Niall J

More on Daizen – the four legged version – and Nakamua (again with four legs) on the next page…

Nakamura and Daizen land brilliant 60/1 double for Celtic punters…

Photo:imago AFLOSPORT – Shunsuke Nakamura, Glasgow Celtic

So, an interesting wee story in the Daily Record this morning. I know, I know, but bear with me, it’s a story worth sharing, despite your views on the source…

Daizen Maeda poses with his Scottish Premiership winners medal after the season s final league match against St. Mirren on May 17, 2025. Photo IMAGO

For Celtic supporters with a penchant for the nags, Tuesday’s usually mundane racecards turned into something a punter’s dream, for those who were sharp enough and brave enough to place a bet that is.

Two horses, both carrying the names of Celtic Park favourites, flew home within the space of 15 minutes on either side of the Irish Sea, landing a belter of a 60/1 double for those lucky (or sharp-eyed) enough to have a flutter.

Celtic Glasgow’s Shunsuke Nakamura. ANDREW YATES/AFP via Getty Images)

At Cork, Nakamura – or at least the four-legged version of him – lived up to the iconic name. With jockey Ben Coen in the saddle, the 9/2 joint second favourite powered through in the 2.15, a competitive six-furlong contest with 12 runners.

Then, scarcely had the dust settled than Ayr served up more Hoops-linked joy. At 2.30, Daizen, no, not the Parkhead forward himself, though someone suggested it might just have been him on a post-training warm-down, blitzed home first in another six-furlong dash, this time against eight rivals, at double figure odds of 10/1.

Daizen Maeda of Celtic celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the scottish Premiership match between Celtic and theRangers at Celtic Park on March 16, 2025. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Irish bookies Tommy French had already flagged up the “Bhoys from Japan” bet that morning, perhaps with tongue firmly in cheek, labelling it a “Mug’s Double.” The result, and the odds attached, suggested it was anything but. With the benefit of hindsight of course.

Those who stuck a few quid on Nakamura and Daizen both to win were laughing all the way to the pay-out window. Celtic fans on social media were quick to clock the connection. One punter posted, “Nakamura and Daizen win across the card. Bad day for bookmakers in the east end of Glasgow!”

Not everyone was so lucky, though. Another supporter admitted ruefully:, “My mate rang me this morning to tell me, and I totally forgot to do them.” Ouch!

Daizen Maeda celebrates. St Mirren v Celtic, Scottish Premiership, Saturday 1st March 2025. Photo: Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)

So, hands up, how many of you reading this actually pocketed a few quid on the 60/1 double? And how many, like me, are kicking yourselves today?

Either way, it’s a nice reminder that sometimes fate smiles kindly on those who support the Celts, whether on the pitch, or on the turf.

And if you landed the gamble. Make sure you don’t spend it wisely!

Niall J

Read more from Niall J writing for The Celtic Star on the next page…

What to expect from Braga, weaknesses Celtic can exploit…

What to expect from Braga, weaknesses Celtic can exploit…

Red Star Belgrade 1-1 Celtic.Kelechi Iheanacho of Celtic celebrates his goal Crvena zvezda v Celtic, UEFA Europa League, Football, Rajko Mitic Stadium, Belgrade, Serbia – 24 Sep 2025Belgrade Rajko Mitic Stadium Serbia Photo Nikola Krstic Shutterstock

Celtic’s Europa League campaign continues on Thursday (remember the 17.45 kick off folks) with the visit of Sporting Braga to Celtic Park…

This is a fixture with a fair bit of intrigue attached, not only because of the on-field clash of styles but also because of the off-field backdrop that threatens to shape the night as much as the football itself.

Braga arrive at Celtic Park in an odd position. Their European form has been encouraging, but the domestic campaign has been pretty inconsistent. Our opponents opened their Europa League group with a well-earned 1–0 victory over Feyenoord, yet in the Primeira Liga their record tells a different story.

A narrow defeat to Nacional at the weekend was met with audible and visible frustration from their supporters, as Conor Spence reported on The Celtic Star Under-fire Braga boss given white handkerchiefs treatment earlier today. And it leaves them adrift of the top places, sitting in mid-table when expectations amongst the fanbase are far higher.

This contrast in fortunes has inevitably increased the scrutiny on Carlos Vicens. Appointed in May, the Spaniard was seen as a bold, modernising choice, someone with a clear tactical framework honed during his coaching education as a Pep Guardiola assistant at Manchester City, and as Head Coach of Heracles in the Netherlands.

Braga arrive in Glasgow as a side whose season has already taken on two very different shapes. It shouldn’t be forgotten that they opened the campaign with real momentum, piecing together a ten-match unbeaten run that included progress through three rounds of Europa League qualifiers and a healthy points return from their early league fixtures. That bright start has since faded a wee bit, with defeats to the likes of Gil Vicente and a run of just one win in their last five outings hinting at some fragility beneath the surface.

Carlos Vicens head coach of Sporting Braga during the UEFA Europe League League phase, Matchday 1, between Sporting Club de Braga and Feyenoord at Stadium Municipal of Braga on 24 September, 2025 in Braga Portugal Photo by Luis de la Mata / SportPix/Sipa/ USA

As such the patience of supporters has understandably thinned quickly. The sight of white handkerchiefs waved in the stands after the loss to Nacional was a symbol of supporter discontent. Vicens remains in post, and the Braga board have not publicly shifted their stance, but there is little question that Thursday night represents a significant test of his authority and his ability to keep the dressing room focused.

Braga’s football this season has been defined by flexibility in shape and approach. Vicens has alternated between a 4-3-3 and a 3-4-3, often within the same match, trying to balance a desire for controlled possession with the need to protect a defence that has looked vulnerable when exposed in transition.

Braga’s wide players are central to their attacking plan. When they play with a back three, wing-backs are pushed high and tasked with stretching the pitch, while the forwards look to exploit the half-spaces. In a four-man defence the emphasis shifts slightly, with Ricardo Horta tucking in from the left to act as a secondary playmaker, while the central striker, whether Fran Navarro or Amine El Ouazzani, leads the line.

Horta remains Braga’s talisman. His creativity, eye for goal, and knack for producing decisive moments arguably makes him the most dangerous figure in their side. Alongside him, Rodrigo Zalazar has is a key influence in midfield. The Uruguayan international offers energy, drive, and late arrivals into the box. Containing him will be a priority for Celtic.

Elsewhere, Navarro’s winner against Feyenoord underlined his ability to seek out chances, while the defence leans heavily on the physical presence of Sikou Niakaté and of course Gustaf Lagerbielke, whose Celtic Park return adds an interesting sub-plot to the tie.

Gustaf Lagerbielke of Celtic FC during the UEFA Champions League match between Feyenoord and Celtic FC at Feyenoord Stadion de Kuip on September 19, 2023.Photo VI ANP Sport Jeroen Putmans

However, for all the talent in their ranks, Braga’s league struggles point to flaws that Celtic will be keen to exploit. The wide areas have often been left quite open when wing-backs surge forward, and opponents have found joy by breaking quickly into those channels. Their midfield, while technically sound, can, much like Celtic in fact, be pressed into errors, particularly if Zalazar is denied time to dictate tempo.

And perhaps most tellingly, there is a fragility about their collective confidence. A poor run of domestic results has perhaps heightened nerves, though it has been somewhat overstated, and Celtic could look to pounce on that uncertainty, assuming we can get over our own that is.

Continues on the next page…

Head coach Brendan Rodgers of Celtic and Benjamin Nygren of Celtic Celtic Training Session and press conference, PK, Pressekonferenz UEFA Europa League, Football, Rajko Mitic Stadium, Belgrade, Serbia – 23 Sep 2025Belgrade Rajko Mitic Stadium Serbia Photo Nikola Krstic/Shutterstock

For Brendan Rodgers, the formation, 4-3-3, and the core principles will likely remain the same, quick ball circulation and aggressive pressing high up the pitch. There will however have to be an increased emphasis on width, as playing too narrowly, as we have at times this season, will negate the advantage Celtic could have over a weak part of Braga’s team. This could very much prove decisive.

By pushing the full-backs forward and pinning Braga’s wide players deep, Celtic can prevent the visitors from turning their wing play into a strength. If the wingers are isolated and forced backwards, Braga’s system risks becoming a flat back five with little outlet.

Callum McGregor theRangers v Celtic,31 August 2025. Photo Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)

In midfield, Celtic’s intensity will be vital. Callum McGregor’s ability to read danger and recycle possession quickly can set the tone, while the two advanced midfielders could press onto Braga’s pivots and deny them clean distribution. Rodgers will hopefully encourage Celtic to press aggressively in the opening phases, aiming to force Braga into mistakes and to generate some early momentum. From set-pieces too, Celtic may sense an opportunity. Braga’s centre-halves are strong in the air, but their organisation has been suspect on second balls, Celtic could look to take advantage of that.

The backdrop to all this, of course, is the ongoing protest from the Celtic support. What began with a twelve-minute silence against Hibs on Saturday, is set to escalate into a 29 minute demonstration on Thursday, and unless the deadlock between the Celtic Fans Collective and the board is broken, the team will enter the most important match of their early European campaign in a stadium stripped of its full voice.

There is a certain worry here. For years, visiting sides have spoken of the noise and energy of Celtic Park on European nights. This week, for the best part of half an hour, Braga may well be spared that ordeal.

The implications are worth considering. Braga, already fragile domestically, might otherwise have buckled under the sheer intensity of an intimidating Celtic Park. In relative quiet, they may feel more at ease, able to settle into their rhythm.

For Celtic’s players, the silence is also likely to present a psychological hurdle. Brendan Rodgers has already acknowledged the importance of the crowd, urging supporters to back the team regardless of the dispute. But if the protest goes ahead as planned, the squad will need to summon their own intensity from within, unassisted by the usual Celtic Park atmosphere on a big European night.

Your Silence is Deafening banner in the North Curve. Celtic v Hibernian, Scottish Premiership, Celtic Park, 27 September 2025. Photo Stuart Wallace IMAGO Shutterstock

The risk for Celtic is that the silence emboldens Braga, giving them a foothold in the match. The opportunity, however, is that once the protest ends, the noise could be even more explosive, if a delayed surge of energy coincides with the game’s most decisive phases. If Celtic can weather the early spell and perhaps land the first blow, they could ride that post-protest roar, but there is no doubt it could aid Braga.

Ultimately, Thursday is a contest of competing narratives. Braga arrive in Glasgow with a manager under scrutiny, a squad that has tasted victory in Europe but frustration at home, and a style of play that can both threaten and expose them. Celtic, by contrast, are navigating the unusual challenge of a support in open conflict with the club’s leadership and must prove that they can perform without their 12th man for a third of the match, a big ask for sure.

Red Star Belgrade 1-1 Celtic.Kelechi Iheanacho of Celtic celebrates his goal Crvena zvezda v Celtic, UEFA Europa League, Football, Rajko Mitic Stadium, Belgrade, Serbia – 24 Sep 2025Belgrade Rajko Mitic Stadium Serbia Photo Nikola Krstic Shutterstock

On the pitch, the key battles will be in wide areas, in the pressing of Braga’s midfield, and in the conversion of set-piece opportunities. Off it, the silent stands are the big unknown. For Rodgers and his players, the task is simple in theory but demanding in practice, impose themselves quickly, disrupt Braga’s fragile confidence, and find a way to turn a fractured atmosphere into fuel rather than a handicap.

Do that, and Celtic’s European journey will continue with momentum intact. Fail, and Braga’s visit could add another layer of discomfort to a club already wrestling with division.

The outcome will perhaps hinge not just on tactics and talent, but on who adapts better to the most unusual of circumstances.

Niall J

Continues on the next page…

Danny McGrain, David Potter & Willie Fernie – what a combination!

Celtic in the Eighties by David Potter. Out now, order your copy at Celticstarbooks.com

We’re certainly Putting on the Style with the new promotion from Celtic Star Books. David Potter’s final book – Celtic in the Eighties – has been selling wonderfully well since its launch earlier this month. It is by far our fastest-ever seller. Order one of the last remaining copies of Celtic in the Eighties and Danny McGrain will sign it for you PLUS you’ll receive a copy of David Potter’s wonderful book on Willie Fernie as a free gift.

Celtic in the Eighties and Willie Fernie – Putting on the Style both by David Potter. Photo The Celtic Star

Danny McGrain has now signed the final batch of Celtic in the Eighties. Ordering is simple, just place your order for Celtic in the Eighties at celticstarbooks.com/shop and we’ll do the rest, ensuring your copy is signed by Danny and a complimentary Willie Fernie book dispatched by the next working day, whilst stocks last.

Celtic 3-0 St Mirren, Scottish Premier League, Celtic Park, 15 May 1982.Celtic captain Danny McGrain collects the championship trophy as Roy Aitken looks on. Photo The Celtic Wiki

Danny McGrain signing copies of Celtic in the Eighties by David Potter. Photo: Celtic Star Books

Please note that stocks are now running very low indeed and the book will NOT be reprinted. Click on the image below to order. Please note that postage will only be charged on ONE book.

Celtic in the Eighties by David Potter. Out now on Celtic Star Books. Click on image above to order.

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