Reo Hatate has been criticised by former Celtic coach Darren O’Dea, who believes the midfielder’s attitude has become a major issue as his struggles continue.
Hatate was once one of the standout players in the league, a midfielder capable of dominating games and deciding matches.
This season, though, his form has dipped alarmingly and he now appears to be slipping down the pecking order.
Interest in the summer and expectations of a January move never materialised, and rather than forcing the issue on the pitch, Hatate’s performances have gone in the opposite direction.
Former Celtic defender Darren O’Dea, who worked within Celtic’s coaching structure during Brendan Rodgers’ time at the club, has been blunt in his assessment of the Japanese international.
Speaking on Open Goal, O’Dea said: “I said before the game he could be like a new signing. He was dreadful under Brendan [Rodgers] just before he left, but then Martin [O’Neill] got a tune out of him. This time it’s not happened. It’s his attitude. His attitude is not right.
“He’s not actually working. He’s not working to his level. When you’re losing the ball and then not running, it just looks ten times worse.”
Hatate did briefly look revitalised earlier in Martin O’Neill’s interim spell, but that spark has faded quickly. Too often now, he looks like a passenger, giving the ball away cheaply and failing to recover, putting extra strain on those around him.
O’Dea, who left Swansea City in December and has since appeared on Sky Sports at Tynecastle and Rugby Park, knows what is demanded at the top level. His message was clear. Talent alone is not enough.
The warning signs are obvious. If his attitude and intensity do not improve quickly, Hatate’s future at Celtic looks increasingly uncertain.
I hope the board learn the lesson to let players go if they have been promised a move! Don’t hold on to players who don’t want to be here! We could have got 40 million at one point for Maeda, 25 million for Hatate and 25 million for Engels. The key is to be prepared to spend big to replace them! The trouble with our board is they can’t make decisions, like rabbits frozen in the headlights.
He’s not been happy since Ange left. Face is always tripping him.
Get him to F*ck he’s well past his best and doesn’t want to be here. The only problem is Desmond won’t sign a player to replace him.
DD doesn’t decide who gets signed or released that’s the manager does that and they get paid plenty for it
just don’t play him simple!! we need to go 3 5 2 with cal and ox siting with nygren playing petrov role with our 2 South Americans on the flanks with kt in back 3 and junior and big Tam up top! But right now more importantly get GB back what is the f##king hold up up we need to build on unity with fans and team it should been announced at full time on Sunday!! these charlatans continue to self harm our!! Club!! and its ours not theirs° We need to try buy out the irishman! it’s only way and can be done!!