‘Ange-Ball’ instilled into Celtic winger now struggling with managerial change

Daizen Maeda has revealed that he has been struggling to adapt to the management of Brendan Rodgers.

Ange Postecoglou certainly enjoyed success in Paradise, which likely caused Tottenham Hotspur to look north. for their next manager. Postecoglou’s ‘Ange-Ball’ proved to be a success in Scotland, and the Hoops won the Treble last season.

Postecoglou drilled his style of play into the players and was ruthless, using the mantra “We never stop”. This is likely why the Hoops functioned so well last season, and why Spurs have had a good start to the season with Ange at the helm.

Daizen Maeda of Celtic battles for possession with John Lundstram of Rangers during the Scottish Cup Semi Final match between Rangers and Celtic at Hampden Park on April 30, 2023 (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

However, with the departure of Ange Postecoglou to Spurs, it seems that the players now have to adapt to the different coaching styles of Brendan Rodgers.

While the comments from the squad have been mainly positive, Daizen Maeda has revealed that he is struggling with the change. The Celtic forward comments that he feels as if Ange’s style is still instilled in his game and he’s struggling to adapt.

As reported by the Sunday Post, Maeda outlined his thoughts on the change of manager and how it is affecting his game. “For the manager, it is obviously the second time at Celtic, but for me, it is a new manager. We are trying to do new things, so individually and as a team we have to adapt to the new style of play.

“That quite often happens in football. For me, that means I need to adjust to the new tactics, and the training, work hard and try to make adjustments in the games,” the Celtic winger said.

Celtic’s Japanese striker Daizen Maeda during the UEFA Champions League Group F football match between Celtic FC and Shakhtar Donetsk, at the Celtic Park , on October 25, 2022. (Photo by ANDY BUCHANAN/AFP via Getty Images)

“Personally, I feel that the tactics of the previous manager are kind of instilled in my game. So obviously I have to change to the new style. However, the league has already started. You have to get the results as you apply the new style. The team is working hard to be the best of ourselves right now. We just have to keep working hard to do that. Usually, each player has to improve, and I include myself in that. My form is not the best yet.”

Although the Hoops have had an underwhelming start to the season, they just need some time to adapt and deliver what Brendan Rodgers is demanding of them. Following the disappointing performance against St Johnstone, hopefully, the Hoops bounce back at Ibrox on Sunday and really get Brendan’s second term at Celtic rolling, just like the last time!