Martin O'Neill Urges Reo Hatate to Focus on Celtic Form Amid Transfer Speculation
Celtic icon Martin O'Neill has issued a clear message to midfielder Reo Hatate, urging him to forget about potential moves away from the club and instead concentrate on rediscovering the outstanding form that once made him a prime transfer target for top European sides.
A Difficult Night for the Japanese Midfielder
The Northern Irish manager's comments come after Hatate endured a challenging performance during Celtic's recent match, where he conceded what could have been a costly penalty by fouling Robbie Muirhead. This incident marked the beginning of a difficult evening for the Japanese international, who has seen his performances dip significantly in recent months.
Thankfully for Celtic supporters, the team managed to secure a dramatic late 2-1 victory thanks to Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain's intervention, after Muirhead had equalised Marcelo Saracchi's opening goal for the opposition.
Transfer Rumours Affecting Performance
Hatate's struggles have coincided with persistent transfer speculation linking him with moves away from Celtic Park. Since being connected with a potential summer transfer to Italian side Udinese, the midfielder's form has noticeably declined. His situation was further complicated last month when he received a needless red card against Bologna, putting his teammates under immense pressure during that crucial match.
Amid ongoing suggestions that clubs in Brazil might still offer the player an exit route, O'Neill has advised Hatate to knuckle down and focus on his football between now and the end of the current season.
O'Neill's Advice to the Struggling Star
"I think players go through this over the course of a season," said the former Celtic manager. "I know you can't live in past glories, but Reo was one of the top players in the SPFL about a season and a half ago. He just has to try and regain that sort of form again."
O'Neill emphasised that the transfer window has now closed, stating: "The window's gone - or I thought it had gone - and that's it until the summertime. I think I mentioned the German side Wolfsburg were supposed to be interested in Daizen Maeda. That probably plays in your mind for a while, but he got down to it."
The experienced manager explained the psychological impact of transfer speculation on players: "Everybody in the transfer window thinks, 'Oh, I can go here,' and then when the first or second of February comes and it's not happening, you just have to settle down again. There is loads to play for, for them personally as much as playing for us."
O'Neill's message underscores the importance of professional focus during challenging periods, reminding Hatate that his primary responsibility remains delivering strong performances for Celtic as the club continues its pursuit of domestic and European success.
