Celtic were having a perfect domestic run until they faced Rangers at Hampden Park in the Scottish Cup semifinal. Despite breaking the deadlock in the second half, the Hoops ended up losing 2-1 after extra time. While they are still leading the Premiership run, winter signing Reo Hatate has opened up recently on the ’emotional and physical fatigue’ that has impacted his current form.
“Since my debut against Hibernian I’ve felt the intensity of the European game and played a number of games. The fact that I’ve kept getting appearances shows that the team trusts in me and that’s given me a lot of confidence.”
Told the Japanese midfield ace (while speaking to Sportiva, via The Daily Record) who earned his senior international debut last month against Vietnam. He has been rewarded for his majestic display in Celtic colours, however, the extensive travelling resulted in exhaustion, particularly after a gruelling J1 League campaign with Kawasaki Frontale. There he played a key role in their successive league triumphs and the immediate move to Parkhead handed him little time to settle in new surroundings.
Hatate had never been in Europe before; also, the January transfer refrained him from having a proper vacation. So far he has made 17 Celtic appearances across competitions and the brace against Rangers back in February helped him cement his place in the middle of the park.
Why Celtic Should Manage His Minutes In The Upcoming Gameweeks
Despite impressing with his relentless runs, box-to-box movements and swift footwork, the 24-year-old looked out of depth at Ibrox earlier this month. Although he played his part in Tom Rogic’s early opener, Ange Postecoglou was forced to take him off around the hour mark and bring in Nir Bitton to restore stability for the final half an hour of the Old Firm clash.
Celtic are well equipped in the centre of the pitch and the gaffer should opt for a rotation in the five remaining fixtures prior to the closure of a productive 2021-22 season. Yosuke Ideguchi has not played enough since his winter switch from Gamba Osaka whereas Matt O’Riley, the other January arrival, has been exquisite following a low-key transfer from MK Dons. Veterans like Bitton and James McCarthy are capable enough to put a shift in alongside the younger names and the ever-present Callum McGregor must keep on protecting the Bhoys through thick and thin under all circumstances.
Hatate, on the other hand, should concentrate on finishing the ongoing term on a high. The Celts are likely to bolster themselves in the summer window and the Japanese sensation might have to prove his worth once more during the pre-season.
