Brendan Rodgers, manager of Celtic, has given an explanation for his choice to substitute Daizen Maeda before halftime during tonight’s match against Crvena Zvezda.
At the half, Kelechi Iheanacho took the position of the Japanese frontman.
In the 1-1 draw, Iheanacho entered the game and opened the score.
“We needed someone centrally to hold the ball up,” according to Rodgers, who spoke to TNT Sports after the game to explain the change.
“I thought we were either loose with the ball or didn’t hold it up when we got to the last third of the first half.
“That’s one of Kels’ greatest strengths, he can take the ball in and use his body well.”
When asked about Maeda’s dedication in light of the rumours surrounding his future, Rodgers responded, “He wasn’t at his best, or nowhere near it.” He is a good man, though, and occasionally that occurs in the game.
“At halftime, I could have made a few adjustments.
In order to provide us with a reference at the top of the pitch, I wanted to make that one. I believed Kels was a great asset to us.
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