ANGE POSTECOGLOU is thrilled with Reo Hatate’s development since he joined Celtic last January.
Having been at the for just over a year, he’s not failed to impress the fans, constantly working his magic every week. However, his performances didn’t catch the eye of the Japanese national team coach, who had decided not to take the midfielder to the World Cup, something that knocked Hatate’s confidence.
Instead of sulking about it and feeling sorry for himself, he approached Ange Postecoglou and asked for advice and what he could improve on in his game. He’s certainly took his advice to work on his play in the final third, scoring twice and registering six assists after the conversation.
Speaking to CeltsAreHere.com, Postecoglou was thrilled with Hatate’s development but was sure to give credit to Gavin Strachan, who works closely with the player. He said:
“He got his two goals from full-back, so he took it literally when I said that!
“Reo falls under Gavin Strachan’s portfolio. Gavin will be the first to tell you that he’s the first in the door after a game asking for feedback; he’s just that kind of player who’s constantly asking how he can improve and what areas he can get better in.
“I haven’t had too many conversations with him. Usually, when he comes through the door to see me, he wants a clear direction.
“Last year, I felt his fitness levels weren’t where they should be and I felt he was dying away in the last part of games. He’s worked really hard on that, and he’s a lot better and stronger this year.
“He asked me what the next layer is, and I said for him to build the player he wants. I know he’s got it in him because he’s always played that type of way. He gets into such great areas to have great attacking output.
“I’m not dropping any pearls of wisdom for him; he knows the areas that he’s looking to improve. For me, it’s about making sure that they also understand all these things happen with time and hard work and with the right attitude; it’s not about me saying something and putting it into practice.
“I had one conversation with him, but I guarantee Gavin has had 100 trying to make sure that all that information gets through to him.”
The player’s been magnificent this season, and has made a clear improvement on last term. He’s in the conversation for player of the season, as are many, but there’s still a lot of football to be played before the awards are handed out.
