Neil Lennon slams Celtic star after he ‘really disappointed’ vs Red Star Belgrade
Celtic’s performance against Red Star Belgrade in the Europa League was deemed positive, aside from one player who has been called out by Neil Lennon.
Kelechi Iheanacho’s second half goal was cancelled out by former West Ham striker Marko Arnautovic’s equaliser.
Celtic’s defeat to Kairat Almaty in Champions League qualifying means they are competing in the Europa League for the first time since 2021.
Brendan Rodgers was left frustrated in the transfer window, and Celtic fans have been protesting against the owners for a lack of ambition which is seen to be affecting performances and results.
Daizen Maeda ‘owes Celtic’ says Neil Lennon
Rodgers has a conundrum to try and get the best back out of forward Daizen Maeda, whose poor performance saw him taken off at half-time against Red Star.
Maeda admitted he wanted to leave Celtic in the summer, but the club’s lack of business meant they blocked a move.
Former Celtic boss Lennon is worried about Maeda’s attitude and how that is affecting his performances.
“The question was rightly asked about his performance because he’s miles away from where he was last season,” Lennon told Premier Sports in Ireland [24 September].
“He was Player of the Year in Scotland, scored 30-odd goals, and was absolutely dynamite.
“If he’s playing up a little bit because he didn’t get his move then that’s poor from him and I’d be really disappointed in him because he’s brought a lot to Celtic since he’s been here and he’s improved a lot and he owes Celtic a lot.
“He didn’t get the move but knuckle down son and get on with it until you do get the move and show everyone what a good player you are.
“I didn’t see any of that. His whole body language: offside all the time, didn’t lead the line and that’s far removed from the performances we saw from him last year.”
| Minutes Played | 45 |
| Touches | 7 |
| Offsides | 2 |
| Shots | 0 |
Brendan Rodgers already has Maeda replacement
Celtic’s best signings of the summer may have been their last, as Rodgers now has alternatives to playing Maeda.
Iheanacho has two goals in three games and his second half display proved Celtic were missing a natural number nine in the first half in Belgrade.
Winger Sebastian Tounekti shone against Kilmarnock on his debut, and his pace and dribbling qualities tore apart Championship side Partick Thistle in the League Cup.
Tounekti looks to be a long-term replacement for Maeda down the left flank, and when Jota returns from injury later in the season, Rodgers could have a frightening front line.
Rodgers still needs more additions, while sorting Maeda’s future and performance levels, but on the pitch, it is looking brighter for Celtic than a few weeks ago.