Brendan Rodgers has welcomed the news that Daizen Maeda will be available for Celtic’s Champions League showdown with Bayern Munich after the club’s successful appeal reduced his suspension.
The Celtic boss admitted it was a big surprise but a welcome one, as Maeda’s energy and work rate will be crucial against the Bundesliga giants.
Speaking to the media ahead of the tie, Rodgers highlighted Maeda’s importance to the team, not just in terms of goals but also in his pressing and relentless attitude. “He’s an extraordinary player. I think how he’s been this year for us, not just in goals, but what his value gives to the team in terms of his pressing and his honesty to the game.” He told CeltsAreHere.
Celtic had appealed Maeda’s two-match ban without much expectation of success, but Rodgers admitted he was delighted when he received the call confirming the decision. “Obviously, the club put in the appeal, which with the greatest respect, we were thinking this probably wouldn’t bear fruit. And then when I got the call to say he was able to play, I thought, goodness me, he’s played the three full games.”
Maeda has been a workhorse for Celtic this season, playing in multiple attacking roles and covering an incredible amount of ground in every match. Rodgers joked about the Japanese forward’s tireless running, saying, “He couldn’t run any more as a striker, as a winger, played him everywhere. But thankfully, he’s just a bundle of energy, so he’ll be OK.”
His availability is a huge boost for Celtic, who face one of the most formidable sides in European football. Bayern Munich arrive at Celtic Park in top form, leading the Bundesliga and featuring some of the best players in world football, including Harry Kane, who has been in lethal form since moving to Germany.
Celtic will need a near-perfect performance to get a result, and Maeda’s relentless pressing could play a vital role in unsettling Bayern’s backline.
With a packed Celtic Park behind them, Rodgers will be hoping his side can rise to the occasion and deliver a memorable European night.
Maeda’s inclusion will give the team an added edge, and with his energy and ability to disrupt Bayern’s rhythm, Celtic will look to make life as difficult as possible for the German champions.
