I’M ALL EARS BRENDAN
Kyogo’s taken time to adjust to Rodgers’ game plan but Creaney reckons he’s been listening and learning
KYOGO FURUHASHI has struggled to hit his sensational Celtic scoring form of old since Brendan Rodgers took charge.
But Gerry Creaney reckons Rodgers could be about to tease the best out of the talisman with silverware on the line.
Celtic have eight Premiership games left and a Scottish Cup semi- final against Aberdeen looming.
Ex-Parkhead hitman Creaney believes the Japanese ace can f inish a tough personal campaign as hero of the hour down the stretch.
Kyogo has hinted at returning to more menacing form in the past couple of weeks.
In last week’s victory over
St Johnstone the service was as quick as he likes it and he scored once and had two goals called offside.
Creaney feels issues in warming to a Rodgers gameplan can be put behind Kyogo as the Bhoys ramp up their bid for a double.
Creaney said: “Kyogo will look back and has probably learned a lot from Rodgers and what he’s trying to achieve with a different style of football.
“When new managers come in, styles do change.
“And when systems change, strikers need to adapt.
“He’s probably not been given the rapid service he was used to.
“He’s getting slightly more ‘orthodox’ opportunities, which maybe doesn’t always suit.
“His movement is still there. He’s still very sharp and getting into areas that are difficult for defenders to defend in.
“Some players adapt very quickly to change, others don’t.
“Few strikers, with the exception possibly of Harry Kane going to Germany, just roll into town and carry on regardless.
“With Ange Postecoglou, Kyogo understood the culture and understood the role.
“That’s why they fitted like a glove. So coming here to Scotland wasn’t an issue.
“When things change again, it can just take a bit of time. Not for the penny to drop as such, but for the fit and the match to be made.
“It’s funny that people get given time when they move country but not time when they move management.
“We’re not privy to it all but there’s every chance now they’re aligned. Touch wood, from a Celtic point of view he’ll go on and be the difference-maker in the run-in and Scottish Cup.”
Flashes of promise from new boy Nicolas Kuhn suggest Kyogo could get the ball in his preferred positions in the weeks to come.
The departure of the brilliant Jota’s supply line and Liel Abada barely playing before his own exit was sorely felt by Kyogo.
Creaney added: “That’s where his main supply of chances came
Ange and Kyogo fitted like a glove. When things change it can take time for match to be made GERRY CREANEY RECKONS IT’S A LEARNING CURVE FOR
STRIKER
from. People talk about oldfashioned partnerships up front or centre-half partnerships.
“But if you play a front three, there’s lots of different partnerships going on there.
“It may have knocked him when you have that great understanding [ and the personnel changes].
“You’ve got to adjust, as top players do, to others coming in.
“Maybe it’s a quick ball into the box under Ange, Kyogo the main man, let’s get him in there. Whereas Brendan wants to hit certain areas.
“I’ve always believed that when strikers are out of form, it only takes one moment to get him back into form.
“But really Kyogo has not been out of form. He’s just not had the goal tally and that’s how all strikers get judged in other people’s eyes.
“But ask his team-mates what they think of his contribution and they’ll tell a different story.”
The 29- year- old struck 34 times for Celtic last season but only has 15 so far in 2023/24.
Even when not firing on all cylinders, however, Kyogo has the knack of netting on the big occasion.
He’s produced decisive goals in the two victories over Rangers, continuing a fantastic record in the fixture.
Creaney said: “Celtic have another eight games and hopefully two more in the Cup.
“It wouldn’t surprise me if
Kyogo goes on a run of games scoring regularly.
“But you also see his contribution to the team and maybe that’s taken its time to be recognised.
“He could be the differencemaker but it might just not be through his goals.
“He’s so impressive to watch. That turn of speed, that sharpness aligned to what he’s trying to achieve – score goals.
“He’s diminutive but strong. I believe he’s still got players around him with the ability to slip balls through that he’s quick and sharp enough to get on.
“That’s maybe not happened as quickly or fluidly as he was accustomed to.
“But I get the impression Celtic have caught their breath again and will push on.
“There’s only a point between them and Rangers and you’ve a Cup semi-final too.
“It could possibly be an Old Firm Final. What a climax to look forward to at the end of the season.
“You’ll see different facets and traits coming out of different people when they’re put under a bit more pressure.
“That’s what’s going to happen at this stage. And it’s something, I’m sure, the Celtic players will be more than able to stand up to.
“And with Kyogo, there’s no doubt he can cause problems for that Rangers back line who’ll be looking out for him knowing he’s a real danger man.”