ANGE IS LIKE A FATHER TO ME
Maeda explains why he couldn’t resist rejoining Postecoglou after initially turning down Celtic
THE trust between them was apparent when Ange Postecoglou insisted on being reunited with striker Daizen Maeda at Celtic Park — and refused to take no for an answer.
Now, the Japanese international has revealed their bond has become so unbreakable that the Australian has become more like a father than a manager to him.
The 24-year-old made an explosive start to his Hoops career after joining in January from Yokohama F. Marinos, helping Celtic to the title with six league goals in 14 starts.
It was the second time Maeda had been signed by Postecoglou after he also brought him to Japan in 2020, on loan from Portuguese outfit Maritimo before making the move permanent.
That process has now been repeated at Parkhead, and the seven-times capped star admits he has formed a strong relationship with the manager despite initially turning him down at the start of last season.
He said: ‘Ange has the same character at Yokohama and at Celtic. Maybe that’s why I keep following him or maybe it’s because he’s like a father to me.
‘At Celtic meetings, I often hear the same stories from my time at Marinos and, no matter how many times I hear them, they always resonate with me.
‘For me, he is a very good coach. His style is that the players on the wings have to get in the middle for crosses from the other side. I think this suits me.
‘Yes, my speed is important, but what has changed is my awareness. The reason why I repeatedly get in front of the goal is simply that I want to score.
‘If it takes me ten times of running into the centre to score one goal, then okay. I don’t want to regret it if I should have gone in the middle when I had the chance, so I have started going in front of the goal anyway. Celtic had actually asked me (to sign) last summer — but I had turned them down because Marinos were also fighting for the championship at that time. ‘Ange told me to go and win the title with them. ‘After the J-League season was over, he contacted me directly via Zoom and told me that he really wanted me to come, so I decided to move.’ In an interview conducted back in his homeland, Maeda admitted that he cannot wait to play for Celtic in the Champions League group stage this season. However, as he prepares for his first full season at the club ahead of Sunday’s opening game of the campaign against Aberdeen at
Parkhead, he confessed that he is still adjusting to Scottish football culture — as well as the adoration of supporters.
Maeda said: ‘It’s a little difficult when the weather is bad — cloudy and rainy — because when we are playing away, there are many pitches where it’s muddy and hard to step on.
‘Also, I’m happy and encouraged that Celtic fans are enthusiastic, but, sometimes, it can be too close.
‘After home games, when I am in my car, there are times when it is difficult to move because it seems that you will be asked for an autograph.
‘You will be surrounded by the car and you will be caught!
‘But I can’t wait for Champions League football. That anthem is still special.
‘I’m happy to hear that on the pitch and we have at least six games in the group stage alone.
‘I’m looking forward to being able to do it.’