Guchi has designs on in Kyogo’s footsteps

New signing hoping to hit ground running in second crack at Europe after Leeds United spell

GIVEN the expectation placed on the shoulders of Celtic’s new Japanese trio following the success of Kyogo Furuhashi since making the move to Scotland in the summer, they may be forgiven for distancing themselves from their compatriot a little.

One member of the triumvirate though, midfielder Yosuke Ideguchi, is using the example of the new darling of the Celtic support as an inspiration, as he too looks to make a name for himself in Glasgow – in more ways than one.

As well as explaining that he would like to be known by his nickname “Guchi” in his newly adopted home, the 25-year-old former Leeds United man says he is determined to hit the ground running in Scotland just as Furuhashi has. And he admitted that the striker has set the standard that he too must try to reach.

“Kyogo is already contributing to the team,” Ideguchi told the Celtic website.

“So, like Kyogo, I want to be able to contribute to the team, although our playing styles are different.

“How

Kyogo is playing is already big news in

Japan.

I respect him and I’m really looking forward to playing with him, along with my other teammates.”

Ideguchi is confident that he will adapt to his new surroundings just as quickly as Furuhashi did, with the fact that he is already familiar with the methods of new manager Ange Postecoglou an added bonus.

While the new arrival from Gamba Osaka did not play under Postecoglou in the J-League, he is excited to see how the Australian plans to get the best out of him in a Celtic jersey.

“When I was in Japan, I watched his team and I was interested in the style, so I’m excited to be able to join his team,” he said.

“I’ve spoken to the manager and he said

that he’s looking for me to bring my style of play to the team.

“It certainly helps me in joining Celtic to have Daizen [Maeda] and Reo [Hatate] here as well, and I’m hoping to contribute to the team along with them.

“I am honoured to be asked to join a team with such a history.”

By his own admission,

Ideguchi’s first crack at British football was underwhelming to say the least, failing to make a single competitive appearance at Elland Road after agreeing a four-and-ahalf year deal there in 2018.

He was immediately loaned to Leeds’ feeder club, Cultural Leonesa, in the Spanish second tier, and then made several friendly appearances the following pre-season as he looked to impress Marcelo Bielsa.

At the time though, he felt he lacked the physical attributes to make an impression in the English game, something he alluded to in his farewell message to Gamba Osaka supporters last week.

“The first overseas challenge [at Leeds] did not work,” he said. “I felt my lack of power because of my regrets.”

Another loan move to Greuther Furth in followed, but Ideguchi’s debut goal was soon soured by a cruciate ligament injury, which hampered his chances of making the move to Germany permanent.

Despite his troubled spell as a Leeds player though, he left a positive impression on their manager.

“He’s a player who during the six weeks of pre-season worked very well and very hard,” Bielsa said. “I saw a very positive evolution.

“Usually I choose two players for each position so they have a possibility to play. I’m going to be sincere.

He’s not a second option in any position of our team so it wouldn’t be fair for me to say I want him to stay because I couldn’t offer him the time as a player he deserves.

“He’s a very valuable professional. He dignifies the Japanese people and I have a deep admiration for Japan.”

Ideguchi went on to rebuild his career back home with Gamba Osaka, though he has apologised to supporters for what he felt were his own below-par performances over the last J-League campaign.

“I’m sorry I couldn’t report directly to the fans, supporters, and people involved in Gamba Osaka,” he said, following the news of his departure breaking.

“I’m really sorry that I couldn’t perform well as an individual this season.

“I wanted to help the team as much as possible next season, but at this time I got the chance to move and decided to transfer.

“I have been indebted to Gamba Osaka for about 12 years. Even in bad times, I was really supported and grew up as a person and a soccer player. If I hadn’t been in Gamba Osaka, I wouldn’t be myself now.

“I really love this club and it’s like a family. I will continue to support you as a fan of Gamba, and I dream of returning to Gamba Osaka someday.

“It’s been a long time, but thank you very much. And thank you for your help.”

With more than a few bruising experiences behind him then, at 25, Ideguchi feels better prepared to prove that he can cut it at a big club in European football.

“I will do my best to be active and deliver good news to everyone,” he said.

Celtic fans will certainly hope that his fortunes are about to take a turn for the better.

The first overseas challenge did not work. I felt my lack of power because of my regrets. I am honoured to be asked to join a team with such history