Celtic fans ‘raging’ at stars ‘pathetically bad’ performance vs Kilmarnock
Brendan Rodgers’ departure from Celtic has not changed the fortunes of one star at the club, whose form is continuing to frustrate supporters.
Martin O’Neill has taken charge of the last three games for the Hoops, including Celtic’s 3-1 League Cup semi-final victory over Rangers.
Celtic could appoint O’Neill on a permanent basis, with the 73-year-old in his second spell at the club having managed the Hoops between 2000 and 2005.
Whoever becomes the next Celtic manager though will be instantly tested to get more out of one player.
Daizen Maeda ‘should be nowhere near the starting line-up’
Daizen Maeda admitted he wanted to leave Celtic in the summer transfer window, but the Japan international ended up staying in Glasgow.
Maeda has been a key player on the flanks for Celtic over his time at the club, but supporters have not seen the best of the 28-year-old this season.
“Boring pedestrian pish, I’m at the stage now where I will actively celebrate when Maeda leaves the club. A god awful footballer who had one hell of a purple patch last season,” one fan commented.
One fan was not happy with O’Neill’s decision not to substitute Maeda at half-time: “MON sending Maeda back on 2nd half is actually staggering ineptitude.”
“Maeda this season is a shadow of the player from last season. Lots of running but achieving nothing. Missing the ball from 3 yards into an open goal is piss poor from him,” a fan posted.
Another fan assessed Maeda’s performance: “Maeda looks off balance on the right side could have had easy hat trick already first touches just letting him down so far.”
“Maeda needs to chuck it. Honestly,” one fan said.
“Maeda is actually taking the piss now isn’t he?,” another asked.
Sebastian Tounekti could leave Celtic
Another problem for the next Celtic manager may be Sebastian Tounekti’s links to Leeds and a potential move for the 23-year-old.
Tounekti has been one of the bright sparks at Celtic Park this campaign despite what has been a turbulent season for the Hoops.
Celtic are unlikely to sanction the sales of both Tounekti and Maeda in the January transfer window, which is another dilemma the next manager needs to sort.