BRENDAN’S HAT-TRICK..
Reo really rates Rodgers’ advice on improving the mental aspect of game
REO HATATE says the wise words of Brendan Rodgers and a strong mentality can help push him to hit new heights at his club.
But first he’s hunting glory with his country as he aims to make an impact on Japan’s Asian Cup title bid.
The midfielder has been a massive miss for Celtic at stages of the season, having suffered two lengthy injury setbacks before a return as a sub against St Mirren eight days ago.
Rodgers embraced him after the final whistle blew on a 3-0 win in Paisley, acknowledging the hard graft he’s put in to get back.
The 26-year-old wasn’t picked as a starter in the opening weeks before his first hamstring issue, only for talks with the boss on his return to see him race back to form.
Hatate said: “Even though I am being asked to achieve more individual results, my coach has also told me not to get complacent and to hit where I can. I was able to put up numbers.
“That’s a good thing but it’s not good to be self-centered, so I need to make good choices in my play.”
Missing the majority of the group stage in Europe was a big blow to Hatate, who broke down just seven minutes into the home clash with Atletico
Madrid on matchday three.
That ended his continental campaign but seeking a silver lining, Hatate believes he’s gained from the disappointment in terms of mindset.
He said: “Through the first three games in which I played, my emotional side has grown a lot.
“There are some technical aspects you won’t understand until you play a lot of games. But first of all, I want to improve. I felt like I was growing and I was able to stay mentally steady, able to take a firmer stance.
“I was depressed that day after Atletico Madrid but I was able to quickly recover.”
He may not be at full pace yet but said: “It’s not bad, so I hope I can improve it a little bit from now on.”
Hatate knows it is a massive opportunity on a major stage for his country, having suffered the heartbreak of missing out of the World Cup finals last season.
Team-mate Kyogo Furuhashi (inset) has missed out on both tournaments as Hatate said: “I’m a team-mate and I want to play in a place like this. But there are people who are not selected.
“So I want to do my best with those people’s feelings on my shoulders.
“The World Cup and the Asian Cup are two big tournaments. It’s my first time competing and I’m looking forward to it.”