Reo Hatate’s Reasoning for Being Left Out of Japan Matchday Squad

Celtic midfielder Reo Hatate has openly criticised his own performances after not featuring in Japan’s international win over China last week.

Despite being called up for the national team’s Games against China and Bahrain, Hatate was absent from the lineup during Japan’s 7-0 victory over China, in which his teaMMAte Daizen Maeda scored late in the Game after coming on from off the bench.

Hatate, 26, didn’t mince words when reflecting on his exclusion, attributing it to his current skill level.

He told Geki Saka: “It can’t be helped that it’s over, but I think my being left off is due to my lack of ability. If I had the ability, I would have been able to participate in the Games and be a member of the team, so I think my lack of ability is the reason for this result.

“I think this result is due to my lack of ability. I want to do well for myself. I think I can improve even more. I want to keep that in mind as I work on my Game.”

There’s no doubting the player’s quality, he’s possibly been a bit too harsh on himself here.

Last season, he really struggled to get going, with injuries really hampering his season. When he eventually got injury free, and made his comeback against Livingston, you could see the team’s performance level rise. You didn’t realise how much he contributed until he was back in midfield.

When it comes to the national team, it’s surprising that Hajime Moriyasu didn’t include him against China. It was looking like the manager was keen to involve the midfielder in his squads, giving him a few Games before his injury nightmare last season. Maybe as the season goes on, and Hatate gets more Games in Brendan Rodgers’ midfield, the Japanese boss may be more inclined to throw him in.