After completing three days of training at the training facility of the Japan National Team located in Chiba Prefecture, the Japan squad moved by bullet train to Niigata Prefecture, where there is the match against Canada national team on Friday 13 October.
In an interview after training, Reo Hatate revealed that he got a message from Alistair Johnston.
Q. Did you talk about anything relating to the friendly match with your Celtic teammate, AJ?
Reo Hatate: “AJ sent me a message, “I ate sushi after arriving in Japan!” I haven’t talked to him about the friendly match. But I want to win against his team.”
Reo Hatate: “I watched both matches on TV. I got the impression that level of perfection as a team has improved, and at the same time, I also felt frustration that I couldn’t play as a part of that team. But I watched them thinking that my own strengths might help the team. This time, it’s a kind of challenge for me, so I’m going to do my best.”
In addition, Reo talked about his expected role in the friendly matches.
Reo Hatate: “In friendly matches, we can’t always dominate games for 90 minutes. My own strength is the fast switching of attack and defence, so I want to demonstrate it and contribute to the team. I don’t know what kind of system we will use yet, but if I think realistically, I’m likely to play as second striker.
“However, my other strength is that I can play in various positions, so I hope I can perform in my own way with role/position entrusted to me.”
Finally, the Celtic star midfielder looked back on his own performance at Celtic after recovering from his injury and was enthusiastic.
Reo Hatate: “Since I came back from injury, I’ve been gradually regaining my original performance at Celtic, and in recent games, I’ve been able to play for longer times.
“However, when I got chances to play, I had to make my results for our team. Compared to pre-season matches, I’ve been able to play more smoothly in midfield, and I think what I should work on now is how to implement my strengths in our team.
“While organising what we should challenge as a team in my head, I also want to organise what I should do for Celtic in my head.”
In friendly matches, Reo Hatate will play as IH or second striker or LSB, depending on system. Pay attention to performances of our three Bhoys of AJ, Kyogo and Hatate at tomorrow’s friendly match.
Yatao
Come and join The Celtic Star live at the Kerrydale Suite at Celtic Park during the International break…
John Hartson will be just one of many special guests at a huge and unique Celtic Star event to be held in the Kerrydale Suite at Celtic Park on Thursday, 19 October 2023. Tables for 10 at £180 or individual tickets priced just £20 for this special evening can be purchased now via Celtic Star Books.
Meanwhile here’s Matt Corr talking about his latest Celtic Star book on The Celtic Exchange Podcast…
Majic, Stan and the King of Japan is out in Friday 20 October and is available to order now HERE.
The Celtic Star presents a night with John Hartson, Stephen McManus and Tommy Callaghan at the Kerrydale on Thursday 19 October…Plus two more special guests to be added today!
There’s no Celtic action for a few weeks due the latest international break, but you can still come along to Celtic Park on Thursday 19 October – on the anniversary of Hampden in the Sun, Celtic 7 Rangers 1…to join The Celtic Star team live in the Kerrydale with special guests John Hartson, Stephen McManus and Tommy Callaghan as we launch Matt Corr’s new book ‘Majic, Stan and the King of Japan’ which tells the story of Gordon Strachan’s first season at Celtic and we’ll have the trophies Celtic won that season there too!
There’s live music from the wonderful Boolavogue and many more Celtic guests coming along which we’ll start to announce tomorrow. Tickets are selling fast so get yours now, just click on the image below and we’ll see you in the Kerrydale. It’s going to be some night and a great Celtic fix during the international break!
