Daizen Maeda Looks Frustrated in Shocking Post-Match Interview After Celtic’s 2-1 Win, Nobody Will Blame Maeda for His Decision!
Glasgow, February 11, 2026 Celtic scraped a dramatic 2-1 victory over stubborn Livingston at Celtic Park tonight, with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s 91st-minute curler rescuing three precious points in the Scottish Premiership title race. Marcelo Saracchi had given the Hoops an early lead, only for Robbie Muirhead’s penalty to level things up. But amid the late jubilation, the spotlight shifted dramatically to Daizen Maeda, whose post-match interview with Celtic TV and assembled media was anything but celebratory.
The 28-year-old Japanese forward, starting on the left wing in Martin O’Neill’s rotated side, was substituted in the 78th minute after a largely ineffective display. Maeda missed a golden chance early on, failed to convert a rebound, and appeared isolated as Livingston’s defense sat deep. Rated around 5.5/10 in player ratings, he cut a frustrated figure on the bench before facing the cameras.
In what many are calling one of his most candid and shocking post-match appearances, Maeda didn’t mince words. Here’s the key excerpts from the interview that have stunned Celtic supporters:
Interviewer: Daizen, tough night personally despite the win what’s your take on the performance and that late winner from Oxlade Chamberlain?
Maeda: (sighing, looking down) Yeah, congrats to Alex, great finish, great for the team. But honestly… I’m not happy with how I played. We created chances, I had two big ones in the first half, but nothing. The team did well to keep pushing, but me? Not good enough. I feel like I’m running, pressing, but the final touch… it’s not there right now.
Interviewer: You were subbed off earlier than usual. Was that tactical, or are you feeling the strain?
Maeda: (pausing, voice lower) It’s the schedule, the minutes. I’ve been playing a lot maybe too much. The body feels heavy sometimes. I want to give everything for Celtic, always, but… it’s frustrating when you can’t show what you’re capable of. I know the fans expect more from me.
Interviewer: Fans will point to your energy and work rate does this feel like a dip in form, or something bigger?
Maeda: (eyes narrowing slightly) It’s not just form. I’ve been thinking a lot lately. Last summer, I was ready for the next step I told the club that. They said no because we didn’t bring in enough players. I stayed, I fought, I scored goals, but sometimes I wonder… am I still the right fit here long-term? The decision to stay was mine, but now… (trails off) I don’t know. Nobody will blame me if I think about what’s best for my career next.
The room fell quiet. Maeda’s words hung heavy a rare admission from a player usually so upbeat and committed. He quickly added, “But tonight we got the three points, that’s what matters. I keep working,” before ending the interview abruptly.
Celtic fans are divided but largely sympathetic. On social media, reactions poured in: “Daizen’s been a warrior for us if he’s unhappy, let him go with love,” one supporter tweeted. Another: “Frustrated Maeda is still better than most. But yeah, no one blames him for wanting more.” The “decision” he alluded to? Likely a summer exit perhaps a return to Japan, a move to a bigger European league, or even testing himself in the Premier League.
Maeda joined Celtic in 2022 and has become a cult hero with his relentless pressing, pace, and occasional moments of brilliance (like hat-tricks and key European goals). But at 28, with over 100 appearances and consistent starts amid injuries to others, the grind is showing. Last summer’s blocked transfer saga left scars he agreed terms elsewhere but was told Celtic needed him. He’s delivered since, but whispers of burnout and ambition have resurfaced.
The win keeps Celtic within touching distance of leaders Hearts (six points back with a game in hand), and Oxlade-Chamberlain’s debut heroics showed squad depth. Yet Maeda’s raw honesty highlights cracks: over-reliance on key players, finishing issues (multiple chances spurned early), and the mental toll of a relentless campaign.
O’Neill, speaking briefly post-game, praised the resilience: “We showed character. Daizen’s part of that he gives everything.” But privately, talks about managing his workload or even his future could be on the agenda.
For now, the three points are banked. But Daizen Maeda’s frustrated, shocking interview has opened a door one that Celtic fans understand all too well. Nobody will blame him if he walks through it. His heart for the club is unquestioned, but so is his right to chase more.
