Latest news with #MitoHollyHock
The National
a day ago
- Sport
- The National
'World-class' Celtic star backed to 'set new standards'
The Hoops star chose to put in the extra hours in his homeland by joining in training with his former club - Mito HollyHock - who are the leaders of the Japanese second division. Maeda netted 34 goals in all competitions last season for club and country and was handed multiple Player of the Year awards. And, according to Mito boss Naoki Mori, he looks ready to hit the ground running again in the new campaign. Mori said: "Daizen Maeda is clearly a world-class athlete. I think he will set new standards this season, even for him. "He took part in our training this week because he wanted to be ready for the return to Celtic and used it as part of his conditioning. Read more: "So as long as we didn't injure him, it was good! "He was a great motivator for my players. They only need to look at him and see what he has done since he left our club. "He was talking to them for the two days he was at our club about lots of things. "Obviously, he has improved in every aspect since he was last at our club and he has taken his game to an entirely new level. "I am sure he will have another great season and play at the World Cup at the end of it."
The National
3 days ago
- Sport
- The National
Maeda trains with ex-club in Japan as boss makes observation
The striker won multiple Player of the Year awards last season as he helped the Hoops to another title and a League Cup win. Maeda, 27, returned to his homeland during the summer and was rested for Japan's World Cup qualifiers because they had already made it through to the World Cup next year. Read more: He's due back to Scotland to start pre-season training with Celtic later this week, but has volunteered to get a head start by returning to his former club Mito HollyHock to train with the Japanese second tier leaders. Maeda said: "I was able to train in a great environment with a good team who are currently at the top of the league. "I don't know what the new season will bring for me, but first, I want to get in shape at their training camp. "I felt ok, but I think I still have a long way to go. "It was an enjoyable session. Mito are a great team and there is a good atmosphere in the camp. I really hope they win promotion." And the manager of his old club, Naoki Mori, was clearly impressed with Maeda's condition. He observed: "Daizen was as fast as ever. "His sense of speed is just what we all expected."
The Herald Scotland
3 days ago
- Sport
- The Herald Scotland
Maeda trains with ex-club in Japan as boss makes observation
Maeda, 27, returned to his homeland during the summer and was rested for Japan's World Cup qualifiers because they had already made it through to the World Cup next year. Read more: He's due back to Scotland to start pre-season training with Celtic later this week, but has volunteered to get a head start by returning to his former club Mito HollyHock to train with the Japanese second tier leaders. Maeda said: "I was able to train in a great environment with a good team who are currently at the top of the league. "I don't know what the new season will bring for me, but first, I want to get in shape at their training camp. "I felt ok, but I think I still have a long way to go. "It was an enjoyable session. Mito are a great team and there is a good atmosphere in the camp. I really hope they win promotion." And the manager of his old club, Naoki Mori, was clearly impressed with Maeda's condition. He observed: "Daizen was as fast as ever. "His sense of speed is just what we all expected."
The Herald Scotland
04-06-2025
- General
- The Herald Scotland
Maeda in Celtic future message ahead of summer window
Read more: Maeda is now back home and was given a rest by Japan for their World Cup double-headers this month after they became the first team to qualify for next year's tournament as early as March. He was the guest of honour at one of his former clubs - Mito HollyHock - at their game in the second tier of Japanese football against Nagasaki, along with international teammate Ryotaro Ito, who was also at the club and now plays in Belgium for Sint-Truiden. Maeda was quizzed in front of the fans about his season at Celtic and made it perfectly clear, he will remain in Glasgow next season. He said: "I was in great form this season, both personally and so were the team. "So I'd like to keep it going next season. "I am who I am because of my team, Celtic. "I'd like to thank my teammates and, above all, my family for supporting me so far. "I'd be happy if I could score more goals next season. I hope the number of goals will continue to increase. "My career really took off here in Mito. When I first came to Mito, I thought, 'No one can run at all! "My forte is sprinting multiple times during a match and running for 90 minutes straight. I came to Mito and learned about not wanting to lose games." And he was praised by his former colleague Ito. He said: "I used to think Daizen was bad at shooting, but I don't think we can say that anymore! He seems to win his club points on his own. His growth curve has been incredible. "I thought he'd make the Japanese national team, but it's crazy to become Player of the Year in another league."But honestly, I am not surprised. I think Daizen has that much ability."
The National
04-06-2025
- General
- The National
Maeda in Celtic future message ahead of summer window
The Japanese international won multiple Player of the Year awards after an outstanding season where he scored 34 goals for club and country in 56 games. Read more: Maeda is now back home and was given a rest by Japan for their World Cup double-headers this month after they became the first team to qualify for next year's tournament as early as March. He was the guest of honour at one of his former clubs - Mito HollyHock - at their game in the second tier of Japanese football against Nagasaki, along with international teammate Ryotaro Ito, who was also at the club and now plays in Belgium for Sint-Truiden. Maeda was quizzed in front of the fans about his season at Celtic and made it perfectly clear, he will remain in Glasgow next season. He said: "I was in great form this season, both personally and so were the team. "So I'd like to keep it going next season. "I am who I am because of my team, Celtic. "I'd like to thank my teammates and, above all, my family for supporting me so far. "I'd be happy if I could score more goals next season. I hope the number of goals will continue to increase. "My career really took off here in Mito. When I first came to Mito, I thought, 'No one can run at all! "My forte is sprinting multiple times during a match and running for 90 minutes straight. I came to Mito and learned about not wanting to lose games." And he was praised by his former colleague Ito. He said: "I used to think Daizen was bad at shooting, but I don't think we can say that anymore! He seems to win his club points on his own. His growth curve has been incredible. "I thought he'd make the Japanese national team, but it's crazy to become Player of the Year in another league."But honestly, I am not surprised. I think Daizen has that much ability."
