CELTIC boss Brendan Rodgers that star man Daizen Maeda can’t get caught up in a ‘it’s not fair’ mentality after a big money move away from the Hoops was taken off the table.
Maeda spoke on international duty recently about how he had a money-spinning move abroad agreed only for the Hoops not to sanction a deal as they weren’t in a position to sign a replacement.
The Japanese star has failed to fire so far this season and there’s speculation that the dashed move has affected his form – with Neil Lennon saying in midweek that the player OWED the Hoops.
Asked about the subject today, Rodgers said the issue WAS affecting him – even if it subconsciously – and admitted “you can’t underestimate how difficult it is for him”.
He added: “This is a guy who has given absolutely everything for this football club.
“And even sometimes when you want to give your best there’s a sub-conscious thing which can obviously hold you back a little bit.
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“What is important – like any played in this situation – don’t get caught up in this sort of mentality of ‘its’ not fair’.
“When you get caught up in that its really dangerous territory and it’s really hard to move on from.
“You have to move forward, do it for your team-mates, do it for your family, do it for your supporters.
“And eventually you get confidence back and you start to get back to your normal self.
“He has been an incredible player for this club and I’m pretty sure over these coming weeks he will get back to the form he has show.
“I can only talk from the couple of years I have had here, he has been absolutely sensational.
“So he will get back to that but it is always a challenge, it is not a lightbulb you just flick on and off.
“This game is about emotions as well and it can be challenging for players.”
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