Celtic midfielder Sead Haksabanovic has said that he is working towards full fitness as he continues to start games. The 24-year-old signed Stoke City on a season-long loan and has impressed for Alex Neil’s team thus far, scoring once and assisting on one occasion in five matches.
The Montenegrin winger signed from Rubin Kazan last summer but has failed to hold down a regular place in the first team under neither Postecoglou nor Brendan Rodgers. This resulted in the move to the EFL Championship and Haksabanovic is keen to improve.
Speaking to Stoke City’s Official YouTube, the player said that the club have made him welcome.
“I’m happy with my goal [against Bristol City]and the win. Hopefully I can build on that as well, I’ve got some games in my legs now. That feels good.
“You have seen moments of me, I’m not one hundred per cent happy yet. I think I will never be, because I know I can be better every day, that’s what I’m working for. It’s always good to get games in the legs, it’s been a long time since I’ve played that many games. Here, hopefully I can build on that in training and get better.
“You need to fix everything around first before you can perform on the pitch, with the players and staff I already feel like I’m in, even being here a couple of weeks. They’re very helpful, I want to say thank you to them. They have made me feel welcome.”
Hakšabanović was signed from Russian side Rubin Kazan by Ange Postecoglou in the summer of 2022. The winger arrived with the baggage of a failed spell at West Ham but showed initial promise. In 42 appearances for Celtic, Hakšabanović scored 5 times and assisted on 4 occasions. There were flashes of brilliance from the player but mostly was frustrating.
Haksabanovic’s dissent on social media has been condemned by supporters, who would’ve rather he showed his value on the field as opposed to cryptic social media posts.
