Stats reveal Reo Hatate majorly let down by Callum McGregor amid Celtic shambles
Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version or go back to LFC Live.net.
Credit: Imago
Harri Burton
Wed 27 August 2025 13:25, UK
Reo Hatate can hold his head high despite being ripped to shreds by Celtic supporters after losing to Kairat Almaty.
Brendan Rodgers’ future at Celtic Park has been thrown into doubt after his side were knocked out of Champions League qualifiers by a team sitting third in the Kazakhstan first division.
The Hoops will now drop down to the Europa League, much like Rangers could do with a defeat against Club Brugge on Wednesday, 27 August, a massive shame for those hoping for an exciting European run.
Despite a goalless draw on Tuesday, 26 August, Rodgers’ side failed to create enough chances to overcome their opponents in normal time, being knocked out on penalties instead.
Understandably, supporters are furious with their players, but with Hatate taking a lot of the heat, it appears that some of the frustration at Celtic Park is misplaced.
The 27-year-old midfielder played 105 minutes before being replaced by Luke McCowan, and fans were happy to see the back of him for the second half of extra time.
However, he created the most chances for the Hoops in the final third, three, one of which was a big chance, suggesting that he was extremely unlucky not to contribute to a goal [FotMob].
Credit: Imago
MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES
This would also indicate that those ahead of him, such as Daizen Maeda, who has been tipped to leave Celtic, James Forrest, Yang Hyun-Jun, and Adam Idah, were the real culprits.
Callum McGregor‘s performance also deserves to be highlighted, having been entrusted with a defensive midfield role against Kairat, but ultimately, he failed in his duties as club captain.
McGregor’s laziness on the ball contributed to a baffling moment for Kasper Schmeichel, who gave away an indirect free-kick in the penalty area, luckily escaping a further red face by conceding.
With Hatate and Benjamin Nygren pushing up the field, the 32-year-old should have stuck to his duties, but having won just 50 per cent of his total duels, being dribbled past once, and missing half of his tackles [FotMob], he let down his teammates considerably.
The Hoops were desperate for a goal, but even with 67 per cent possession, Kairat had some brilliant opportunities on the counter-attack, which were not snuffed out by the club captain.
Supporters have every right to be fuming with their club, having dropped out of the competition in dramatic style, but if they’re searching for a scapegoat, it might be time to look at the club captain, rather than Hatate.