Celtic winger Daizen Maeda is grappling with a form slump and admits to finding the managerial transition from Ange Postecoglou to Brendan Rodgers challenging.
After showing great promise in a central striking role during the pre-season, Maeda has struggled to maintain that level of performance since being moved back to the wing upon Kyogo Furuhashi’s return from injury.
Maeda acknowledged the difficulties he’s facing under Rodgers’ tactical setup, which differs considerably from Postecoglou’s.
“For Rodgers, it’s his second time at Celtic. But, for me, he’s a new manager. We’re trying to do new things so individually and as a team we have to adapt to a new style of play,” Maeda said as quoted by RecordSport
“That happens quite often in football. For me, it just means I have to adjust to his tactics, keep working hard in training and in the games.
“Is it a big change? The tactics of the previous manager are instilled in my game.
“So obviously I have to change to the new style now. But the league has already started and we have to get results as you apply that new style. That’s what we are trying to do.”
Although he excelled under Postecoglou’s system—often referred to as AngeBall—Maeda has yet to display the traits typical of a Brendan Rodgers winger.
Despite recognising that his form is “not at its best,” Maeda remains optimistic. “Each player has to improve, and I include myself in that. The team is working hard to be the best of ourselves, and we have to keep doing that.”
As Celtic gears up to welcome its seventh summer signing, Luis Palma, Daizen Maeda may find himself pondering his future role in the squad. Palma, a left-winger, is set to arrive in Scotland over the weekend. His inclusion in the team could prompt a positional change for Maeda, potentially moving him back to a central striking role where he excelled during the pre-season.
After a string of disappointing performances, Celtic is in urgent need of revitalisation. The addition of Palma and potential positional changes for existing players like Maeda could be instrumental in helping the team find its footing once again.
With the clock ticking and fixtures piling up, both the club and Maeda will hope that any adjustments translate into improved results sooner rather than later.
