The path from J League football to Celtic has been opened up by Ange Postecoglou as a core part of his Celtic recruitment drive, but if that is to continue Celtic’s Japanese stars will need to be satisfied they can realise their international ambitions playing in the Scottish Premiership.
Worryingly, Japan coach Hajime Moriyasu has named his international squad for the Blue Samurai’s upcoming friendly clashes with Uruguay and Colombia, and just as he did with the Japan World Cup squad for Qatar, both Reo Hatate and Kyogo have once again missed out, although Daizen Maeda retains his place after scoring at the Qatar showpiece.
Moriyasu has explained his reasoning on the players exclusion and Dan Orlowitz, ever helpful to the Celtic support as he is, kindly translated for the Japan manager’s thinking via his social media account.
“I’ve watched all of Celtic’s games and seen what they’ve accomplished and their presence in the team. But there’s no bar to clear to be called up; it’s a comprehensive decision.”
“We think about the level of the league and various other factors when making the decision. For this squad we focused on the squad from Qatar as well as some new players. There will be other call-ups. As I said, we’re trying to build strongest team possible ahead of 2026.”
“In order to do that we’re taking a wide view of how to build the team… as I think we all agree, (Reo & Kyogo) would absolutely be able to contribute to the team, but this time I wanted to try out some different players and that’s why they weren’t selected”
"…we think about the level of the league and various other factors when making the decision. For this squad we focused on the squad from Qatar as well as some new players. There will be other call-ups. As I said, we're trying to build strongest team possible ahead of 2026…"
— Dan Orlowitz (@aishiterutokyo) March 15, 2023
Moriyasu’s concern surrounding the standard of the Scottish Premiership certainly sets alarm bells ringing, but let’s be honest the standard of Scottish football is not exactly a well-kept secret, and if Celtic can qualify for Champions League football again this season, then our Japanese players, including Japanese player of the year Tomoki Iwata and Yuki Kobayashi, as well as Hatate and Kyogo, will be able to prove their international credentials of the highest stage of them all.
Yet Moriyasu’s thinking does raise concerns as to Celtic’s ability to not only attract but also retain players going forward. While the rest of World football seems to have embraced international recruitment, modern coaching practices and tactical advancements, Scotland, as we all too often do, remain somewhat lagging behind, indeed Celtic only really seem to have got up to speed with the arrival of Ange Postecoglou as manager.
To be fair to Moriyasu, his thinking also appears to include his already being aware of the talents of both Hatate and Kyogo, and it seems the Japanese boss is keen to use these friendly encounters to run the rule over players he hasn’t yet seen in action. And given these two encounters are both friendly internationals, then the real time for concern will be if the players are excluded when the competitive action comes around in November.
The reasoning behind Moriyasu’s decision however is not something to be taken lightly, and his thoughts on the standard of Scottish football is likely mirrored by other countries.
Celtic may be a big club and an attractive destination for players; however, retention is as important as attraction when it comes to building a squad going forward, and players will certainly take into consideration their international hopes when choosing a club to sign for, or indeed when deciding to remain there when offers from stronger leagues come in.
Niall J
Someone at Soccer Digest had the guts to ask about Furuhashi and Hatate’s omissions.
Moriyasu: “I’ve watched all of Celtic’s games and seen what they’ve accomplished and their presence in the team. But there’s no bar to clear to be called up; it’s a comprehensive decision…
— Dan Orlowitz (@aishiterutokyo) March 15, 2023
“In order to do that we’re taking a wide view of how to build the team… as I think we all agree, (Reo & Kyogo) would absolutely be able to contribute to the team, but this time I wanted to try out some different players and that’s why they weren’t selected.”
— Dan Orlowitz (@aishiterutokyo) March 15, 2023
Full exchange from 40:24 for those playing the home gamehttps://t.co/gv4uppD4ES
— Dan Orlowitz (@aishiterutokyo) March 15, 2023
Pretty much this, but it’s one thing for him to say it in March and another thing for him to follow through and call them up for November when the real games start for Japan.https://t.co/6yxSJqlnlU
— Dan Orlowitz (@aishiterutokyo) March 15, 2023
🇯🇵 | Japan National Team
Only Daizen Maeda has been selected by Japan boss Hajime Moriyasu for their upcoming fixtures.
There's no place for Kyogo or Hatate despite impressive campaigns. pic.twitter.com/hufEo9S3fa
— Everything Celtic (@aboutceltic) March 15, 2023
Japan strikers goal record:
Kyogo – 26 ⚽
Nishimura – 13 ⚽
Asano – 2 ⚽
Ueda – 14 ⚽
Machino – 15 ⚽It's utter madness Kyogo is the one on this list not selected, you've got to feel for him.
What else can he do?! pic.twitter.com/Jrebo293JZ
— Everything Celtic (@aboutceltic) March 15, 2023
Former Celtic captain Scott Brown spoke to the Celtic fan media yesterday including of course The Celtic Star. Here’s what happened, a really enjoyable half hour with Broony talking to Celtic supporters with not a hack in sight…
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