Three theories raised over Celtic star’s struggles this season as ‘attitude’ questioned by Parkhead icon
Charlie Mulgrew has suggested three potental theories behind Reo Hatate’s dip in form this season
Former Celtic star Charlie Mulgrew has raised questions over Reo Hatate’s ‘attitude’ as his inconsistent performances for the Hoops continue.
The Japanese midfielder has been far from his usual best this season and his off-the-boil performances have cost him a regular spot in Martin O’Neill’s starting line-up.
Hatate has been attracting attention from rival clubs recently and interest is still surrounding the 28-year-old midfielder, despite the Scottish transfer market being closed.
Charlie Mulgrew delivers verdict on struggling Reo Hatate
Mulgrew has been left unimpressed by Hatate’s performances as of late, especially his error during Celtic’s clash with Livingston on Wednesday night. The Japanese international gave away a penalty, which led to Livi’s second half equaliser.
Fortunately, new signing Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain was able to cap off a dream debut with a stoppage winner to secure all three points in this unpredictable Scottish Premiership title race.
“It's not an ability thing with Hatate, because we've all seen how brilliant he can be in a Celtic top,” Mulgrew told Go Radio (via Record Sport).
“It's an attitude thing, whether he doesn't want to be at Celtic anymore, a move never transpired that he thought would or whether he's just had enough.
“If you don't approach a game with the right attitude, things like that happen. It's not a coincidence you start swinging legs at balls in the box and give away penalties.”
Reo Hatate transfer latest
According to reports in Brazil, intermediaries have recently offered Hatate to Brasileirao outfit Palmeiras. The Sao Paulo side are still active on the transfer market, as their window remains open until March 3rd.
However, Football Insider has reported that Celtic have ‘no intention’ of letting the midfielder leave Parkhead. In fact, despite his irregular starts as of late, O’Neill still believes Hatate has a ‘big part’ to play in the team’s title push this season. As a result, Hatate will not be permitted to leave Glasgow unless an ‘irrefutable offer’ is put on the table.
Celtic’s win over Livingston keeps them within six points of league leaders Hearts, who redeemed their recent defeat to St Mirren by beating Hibs in the Edinburgh Derby. The Jambos keep hold of the top spot and have stretched their overall lead to five points, after Rangers drew to Motherwell.