Why Celtic Are RAIDING Japanese Football! | Explained

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Hello and welcome back to EFD Explained where today we are analysing why Celtic are increasingly targeting Japanese players.
After the arrival of new manager Ange Postecoglou and success of his signing Kyogo Furuhashi, the Australian has been backed in the market in January. The new signings Yosuke Ideguchi, Reo Hatate and Daizen Maeda have all impressed in their limited minutes so far, and mark an important sporting and cultural moment for the club as they look to improve on the pitch and improve their brand in Asian markets.
What will these players bring to Celtic and what does it mean for Postecoglou? The answers to both these questions are answered in this video...
If you enjoy it please like it, leave a comment and subscribe to EFD!
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[@EuroFootballDaily]

Celtic’s Japanese army 🚀 (Dougie)

[@jamescook3131]

Thought the animal was going to take this but I'm pleased to hear you discussing Celtic business Dougie. You know I don't care what anyone says. You guys make the best football related content on the entire fucking Internet. 👏

[@thelastgreataudit8112]

6-0, Dougie. COYWM! (Rough day at the office, mate. I sympathize.)

[@soton5teve]

End up in saints, like a lot of celtic players

[@IKEMENOsakaman]

I'm a big Celtic fan from Japan!!! I'm so happy to see Reo Hatate in Celtic!!!

[@davidrowan3853]

The guy is so good. Never heard of him before he came to Scotland, not a celtic fan either, but love watching him play.

[@Connorparker155]

Hail hail from belfast

[@craigbradley6210]

1.4m is an absolute steal he’s worth ten times that at least still can’t tell if he’s right or left footed he’s that comfortable on both sides

[@SuperLindo11]

What a player man, I dnt see him staying long in Glasgow tho, mans too good

[@spreadthelove77]

Arigato Sukottorando kara! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 🇯🇵 ⚽️ 💚

[@nickgrant2625]

I would have like a bit more in depth on Ange, his Brisbane and Japanese teams were near unstoppable in their second seasons and his Australian team played the best most daring football we've ever seen. He's a coach going places.

[@unstoppableExodia]

100%. Doesn’t seem like doogs did his homework on Ange Postecoglu. Barely said a word about his success coaching in the J-League which would have helped a hell of a lot when integrating 3 new Japanese players into his team and have them making an impact immediately. Not to mention his success with the Australian men’s national team guiding them to the 2015 Asian Cup (their first international trophy) and his very impressive stint coaching Brisbane Roar. He’s looking like he could become Celtics best coaching appointment in recent years. Also every time he calls him Angie instead of Ange is such cringe.

[@musc258]

Ange has a distinct style of play, and he is going places.

[@ianmacfarlane1241]

@@musc258 hopefully he's not going anywhere 🍀

[@wyattfamily8997]

@@ianmacfarlane1241 The board isn't moving very fast to ensure he stays, still operating on a 12 month "rolling' contract.

[@Connorparker155]

@@ianmacfarlane1241 HH

[@MR-bz5zg]

This will probably make them one of the biggest supporting clubs in Japan and they’ll make a whole load of money from shirt sales and getting the Japanese tv revenue

[@User-sm7ip]

they already were since nakamura , youd be surprised that its just less than 50% of celtic fans are japanese

[@ianmacfarlane1241]

@@User-sm7ip 😂

[@MetalGearTenno]

We already had a big Celtic fanbase in Japan from the days of Nakamura under Martin O'Neill.

[@ianmacfarlane1241]

@@MetalGearTenno Nakamura didn't play under Martin O'Neill. Gordon Strachan signed Nakamura almost two months after Martin O'Neill left.🍀

[@Billybhoy]

@@MetalGearTenno Strachan

[@AlbirexNiigataSupport]

I don't know why is this such a surprise to you all. He came from the J-League. He knows the capabilities of these players from managing Yokohama F. Marinos and playing against Kawasaki Frontale, Vissel Kobe and Gamba Osaka. Its a no-wonder why he would sign them.

[@madyin3509]

They have been great signings for Celtic, technically their football IQ is exceptional and fitness is great, the only thing they lack is toughness too play in Scotland, as it’s a very physical and hard tackling league compared to the majority of the leagues throughout the world, although the required toughness is something that comes with time of playing in Scotland. In all the truly are impressive players.

[@thebudmakesuweiser2709]

Well said 🍀💚🍀

[@thebudmakesuweiser2709]

@@madyin3509 so far they all look as if they have been here for years 👊

[@Jonwallachio]

There's a huge pro-europe bias when it comes to the European foot all transfer market (which is understandable). But the reality is that there are loads of high quality players throughout Asia that could be signed for bargain prices. Clubs are sleeping on it. Also his name is not pronounced "Anjy". It's Anj.

[@kieranmccabe]

Anjy Postecoglou? His Name is Angelos Postecoglou so Anjylos would sound weird af

[@fptvctical8108]

@@kieranmccabe he's pronouncing "ange" with the e when the e is silent

[@Rapidz4ak]

Very true but big clubs only tend to sign players that are decent no disrespect Celtic I’m talking more about prem and the other top 3 leagues in Europe so they generate an wider Asian fan base as a person who lived in Hong Kong and London currently it is massive son and few Japanese players have generated so many shirt sales and new fans etc also look at Leicester with their Malaysian ownership etc

[@kevinbremner4924]

nakamura was 1 the best player to ever wear the hoops there was always japanese fans at games hopefully the 4 can have the same affect look good so far

[@stansteward5407]

@Dabey071 didn’t ask

[@ZER0value]

@@stansteward5407 found the rangers fan

[@stupidusername38]

@Dabey071 and he's still playing with Yokohama FC. The oldest player in Japan is King Kazu Miura (54), making Nakamura look like a young un.

[@darkmonarchy2206]

After witnessing Nakumuras magical abilities and Celtics recent Japanese signings im left reflecting on the overall Japanese national psyche, Everything you do has to be selfless and always be the best you can, humble and respectful of others , our homegrown athletes could learn so much from these players , no egomaniac goal celebrations , just a humble acknowledgement of a superb goal.

[@jamescleasby3506]

It's Ang fellas not Angie the man's not the local lass down at the beauty salon

[@rae_48]

Who's here after the 3-0 Win in old firms derby with the brace and an assist from Reo? What a masterclass from these japanese player 👏 #VAMOSNIPPON

[@getaaafix]

Ange has turned my team around from playing pretty turgid stuff under Lennon to a very exciting style of play ,I would rather win 4-3 than 1-0 the Japanese additions are technically very capable I just hope they don’t get booted off the pitch when we play.

[@Tarantula7Tom]

After tonight's performance don't have any concerns about that HH

[@buzzliteyear11]

Celtic 3 - Rangers 0 = Why Celtic are raiding Japanese football. PROVEN

[@MetalGearTenno]

I smell freshly cooked salty buns. Is that you? 🤔

[@user-name3366]

Reo Hatate, been watching him since Kawasaki Frontale really wanted to see him at Dortmund, but happy to see him at Celtics Edit: the Asian market is UNTAPPED!! Kawasaki Frontale 💙🐬 Borussia Dortmund 💛🖤

[@davidclark6636]

He scored 2 goals and got an assist last night in the derby

[@AlbirexNiigataSupport]

More gems waiting to be uncovered in Kawasaki Frontale. Tono Daiyo, Yamane Miki, Zaine Issaka etc...

[@stupidusername38]

Can't wait to see Kouru Mitoma next season at Brighton, that kids got bags of talent and could be a giant star.

[@gorillastalker9103]

@@stupidusername38 and he’s a beast now 😂

[@stupidusername38]

@@gorillastalker9103 certainly is. For me he was man of the match against Liverpool. If I were Celtic I'd be making a bid for Wakizaka of Kawasaki Frontale, another gifted midfielder

[@jjjj-sn1ml]

So far each of them, has pretty much slotted in and made an impact..... if they keep playing this way they won't be with us long.... unfortunately.... but will make a good profit to reinvest.

[@Addicted2Battle]

the manager knows the players very well he was a manager in the japanese league for a few seasons so makes sense he brings in players he knows and trusts

[@nicholas5905]

This video is so well put together, great content

[@dowdallerno1]

The Japanese guys are very disciplined and professional. And technically very good footballers.🍀👏

[@MHLFC07]

Quality content! Keep it up

[@c0222]

Think Hatate has just shown why we are raiding Japanese football.

[@iVekoh]

Down to 2 points👏 soon to be a point ahead on Wednesday🍀💚

[@filipkaczmarek1152]

I wonder if they had a segment on mason greenwood in this weeks Sunday vibes by any chance

[@samgoz2898]

Considering it’s filmed in advance and the news only broke a couple of hours before the video uploaded they wouldn’t have known at the time Also they can get into legal trouble if they say much about it, so there’s very little point covering it until it has been to court (if it does)

[@filipkaczmarek1152]

@@samgoz2898 I know they film it in advance that’s why I said it. I was wondering if in the episode they were talking about mason greenwood in some capacity. “Most promising youngsters in the top 6” or something like that. I can see them realising just before the video was meant to go up that they spoke about greenwood in that context and not posting it because it would be a bad look.

[@unstoppableExodia]

@@samgoz2898 true. They’ve said very little (if anything) about Gylfi Siggurdsson’s and Benjamin Mendy’s indiscretions that got them in hot water

[@brianmccluskey6810]

With the right marketing and advertisement they could be huge in Japan

[@TheRealOTK]

I found out about Daizen from signing him while in League 1 in a FIFA manager career lol. I checked out his highlights shortly after and immediately knew he wouldn't be playing in Japan for much longer.

[@Dazumu]

Dude was rapid in Ultimate team as well.

[@johnshaw7517]

Keep up the class content lads

[@liammccabe05]

It's hard to properly express the extent to which Ange has been taken to heart by Celtic cupporters, and these signings from Japan are a huge part of it. In particular, Hatate and Kyogo are already cult favourites. They provide us with goals, relentless high pressing, through passes and the kind of squad depth that terrifies and overwhelms our opponents. We were obviously dissapointed to miss out on 10 in a row as supporters, but its a testament to Ange that these signings and his his approach have made us all pretty much forget about a huge *generational* dissapointment, less than a year after it happened. It's a good time to be a Celtic fan 🍀

[@phillygolf4229]

Man if this video was made a few days later after reo matter class yesterday vs rangers

[@pushbikeman]

Good interesting video on the glasgow clubs recruitments.

[@Tomb_world]

I live in Yokohama and have caught a few games, Maeda is class

[@tspmcfarlane]

This was a really good, well-researched video.

[@peterfreeman4576]

Class video 👏

[@rodcampbell8231]

Just FYI "Ange" is just one syllable. Rhyming with Flange

[@powerviolentnightmare5026]

Reo Hatate. True emperor of Japan.

[@J-CG]

Very cheap, talented and potential to make a decent profit in the future if they perform well. Not to mention this will probably make them huge in Japan.

[@danielmcdivitt1334]

Long story short because of there manager who has managed in that part of the world

[@ItsGrantM]

Brilliant summary

[@johnkehoe646]

Very good article....Hatate was terrific last night v Rangers

[@killy6028]

up ya postie! top manager for the aussie side, did us our best since 06 world cup

[@hollowspear_KR]

FIFA 22 Career mode objectives: Sign 3 players from Asia

[@paulheywood2116]

Ange is a successful coach his resume speaks for itself

[@m.k.s.7417]

As a fan, of (both) Italian FOOTie and Celtic, [F.C.]: I would Love for: both, to: have: "Supporter's_clubs" ("C.S.C.s" ="Celtic, Supporter's Clubs!!") And "Academy's" in all possABLE Countries.

[@ryleyaugust]

I’d like to see an explained on how the MLS went from a retirement league to a hotbed for up and coming prospects.

[@warrenzevon4994]

Over a decade of heavy investment in youth. I’d say half of young athletic kids here at least try football for a year, many stay playing from a young age. With so many kids playing, competition has gotten better. Most importantly, the US is a hotbed for different people, so great coaches who lived and worked in other more football developed countries come and coach US youth. And much of that “American” youth, were born elsewhere and moved to America at a young age and continued their development.

[@warrenzevon4994]

I live in America, and I have no idea where in my comment you got that I was “salty” from. I have classes on this exact topic in university, I’m not telling you some theory or idea. I’m telling you exactly why and how this has happened, from someone that is here while it’s happening.

[@ryleyaugust]

@@warrenzevon4994 it’s the way you quoted “American prospects” and continued to explain what basically anyone who follows football knows. So what they were born somewhere else, they migrated to a place that gave them a chance/safe living. If they choose to represent that country what’s your issue with it? That’s why i said ya look salty.

[@warrenzevon4994]

@@ryleyaugust I have absolutely no issue with it, I love it, we might have a chance in 22 or 26 because of it. It’s the same reason france is so good, you have players from all over that migrate and increase your pool of prospects. Plus so many good Mexican or South Americans move here and already have a football background, it raises the competition. It makes our national team significantly better along with the improvements in youth development, coaching, and training implemented by the USSF

[@danielpar4850]

@@warrenzevon4994 however pay to play is slowing this process down by a whole lot

[@jhaych]

Because you get quality players for a cheap fee respectively to their talent

[@MBCustomHK]

Tbh Nakamura was one of the biggest impact of all. He show how Japanese player can do in the big stage. The goal against Man Utd was unforgettable!

[@AdamTheMan1993]

No doubt Nakamura had the best left foot in football at the time

[@scythermantis]

Goals plural haha, both home and away!

[@fuckyoutube1999]

Because there’s tons of talent in Japan and talented Asian players are usually very disciplined. Wish my people were more disciplined. I apologize for gullit peña and Eduardo Herrera. 🤣😂

[@rezaesmaili10]

Very good

[@samclarke653]

There is no ie sound at the end when you pronounce Ange

[@user-em9jx7ne3j]

Im celtic fan from HK and happt too see japanese players at celtic park for the best club and supports in the world

[@ZER0value]

hatate and kyogo are absolutely lights out players!

[@seanmax5907]

Some top shelf research here lads you even found his secret hidden name pronunciation

[@DonorClique]

You can hear the pain in dougie's voice after sunderland lost 6-0 to bolton 😄

[@Colt-eq1vm]

Hahahah i saw that 6-0 result i was like OMG First person I thought of was Dougie and he actually had the audacity to show his face infront of the camera the next day and smuggle it in like we wouldn’t notice 😂😂😂😂 He TRIED It!!! 😂😂😭

[@Nine5Vader]

Its about time we had more Asain Ballers playing in this Country

[@pbh81]

Great business on and off the pitch. 1 question thou. Long term, Will japanese fans continue to support celtic or will they follow the players new clubs? Japanese fan culture seems different from other East aisan fan culture

[@baeseulgi1742]

I think Japanese will continue to support Celtic, I cannot speak for all of us, but I am grateful for the chance you give for our players

[@Connorparker155]

Hail hail much love from belfast

[@AlbirexNiigataSupport]

Both. It's either some fans will continue to support Celtic, or they'll follow the players, which is what the supporters of Kawasaki Frontale, Vissel Kobe and Marinos are doing right now. Gamba Osaka fans doesn't seem to follow Celtic due to Ideguchi's lack of playing time.

[@10mibrahim]

This video will bang

[@breenirwin2356]

Smart move from Celtic will make them sell tons of shirts in the Far East make them bigger then they already are in that part of the world 🌎

[@ianmacfarlane1241]

It's not just about shirt or merchandise sales - the quality of the players themselves is top priority. There's no point in bringing in duds from a populous country just to sell shirts - if that was the main concern they'd be bringing in Chinese, Indian or Indonesian* players. Celtic do have an American in their first team, but he's also there on merit. Celtic have, first and foremost, brought in quality - the merchandise sales are obviously important, but not as important as the players. *That's not to say that Chinese, Indian and Indonesian players are duds of course.

[@puig031]

Nice to see Hamill's influence takeover efd

[@jeffdbaker71]

are there any other unappreciated markets out there?

[@OzzyTravels]

Who's top now? 💚🍀💚🍀

[@kusogakiemon2968]

Celtic and Japan connected by Nakamura

[@stupidusername38]

there are plenty of quality Japanese players that could play in Scotland or England. Kashima Antlers have 2 fantastic players in Shoma Doi and Ayase Ueda, lots of pace and technically very talented. There are also foreign players in Japan that seem to get overlooked like Everaldo and Damiao.

[@AlbirexNiigataSupport]

Doi is in his prime but he seems too old to make the move, no? Also aside from Ueda, Someno Itsuki is a fantastic striker and he really puts up a competition for the striker position in the Antlers roster.

[@stupidusername38]

@@AlbirexNiigataSupport I think Shoma Doi is at a great age to make the move. If King Kazu can still be playing at 54 then Shoma has plenty of time left :)

[@AlbirexNiigataSupport]

That comparison is quite outlandish considering King Kazu is continuing to play domestically. It's pretty rare for JLeaguers over the age of 28 to make the move to Europe because Europeans deem them 'too old'. Not saying it's not possible, just highly unlikely considering Tanaka Atomu moved from Cerezo to a Finnish Club back in 2019-2020. Most likely he can still move towards Asian or North American clubs and be successful.

[@stupidusername38]

@@AlbirexNiigataSupport I'm sure the European teams who don't have the buying power of a Real Madrid, Manchester City, Bayern Munich or PSG could certainly benefit from Shoma Doi. He really is a gem of a player.

[@ofentseramoitheki8323]

Sunday vibe??

[@Jungle67]

Look at us now shining. Thank you Japan 🇯🇵

[@snowman01]

love the upload. sorry to be pedantic but they're pronounced "an-j" (1 syllable) not "an-gee", and "rog-itch" not "rodge-ick"

[@willoflood3889]

Everything correct but one thing that bugs me is “Callum McGregor playing his best football in years”, he’s been consistently class since 16/17 season

[@mudchair16]

Those inflections are impossible to take for more than two minutes.

[@de132]

More clubs are going to realize there's market inefficiencies with players based on national origin.

[@tonytang5452]

Right decision

[@ishanmisra7472]

no sunday Vibes today??

[@jabber67]

Absolutely stole these bhoys 🍀

[@chazzacw3947]

Sunday Vibes?

[@trevorp5592]

Top of the table now by 1 point 😂😂🍀👍

[@JamesMc2051]

Simply because the manager knows the market and sees value for money there.

[@waidhsbjd975]

Where’s Sunday vibes?

[@JKnight23]

Where Sunday vibes?

[@johnb9242]

I have an idea on who wrote this one

[@farooqamra8765]

Where's Sunday vibes?

[@jackblack2312]

I just checked my feed for the same thing 😂

[@pushbikeman]

Whats gone wrong at man u since fergie retired?

[@palacefan4286]

Sunday Vibes??????

[@benbirch6093]

Was expecting the Hamster Chris. Disappointed

[@llaedonnieuwenhoudt591]

Where's Sunday Vibes??!

[@sammyhamawi8353]

Tom gores owns the detroit pistons

[@thepolticalone961]

Where Sunday Vibes

[@darrinsawh9889]

Blue lock?

[@DzYZer0]

Hamil really should have done this video

[@captainneon5799]

9:14 they do know that Japan Aren’t guaranteed qualification yet, right? Two games still left to play with a crucial match against Australia

[@rosalieduffyhagart4992]

Why not since Ange knows them....

[@tommygoldstraw1318]

Angee angey anG angeeeee

[@liammurty]

How does this guy end every sentence on an up?

[@dairemcconville4402]

Pov u are watching this when celtic are top 🇮🇪🇮🇪

[@TaylorFTSE]

🍀

[@michaelreddington658]

Angie 😂😂😂

[@k-matsu]

"Why Celtic Are RAIDING Japanese Football!" With all due respect ... are you deliberately TRYING to piss off Japanese football fans with this title? Everyone involved in the deals for Maeda and Hatate - on both the Japanese AND the Scottish side - recognises that the J.League clubs took a conscious loss on the market value of their players, in return for the prospect of elevating the J.League's profile, and (more importantly) allowing the players to advance their careers with a club and coach that understand and value their qualities. (NB: Celtic paid a fair price for Ideguchi. But he's the only one). If you look at what clubs have recently received for the likes of Mitoma, Kubo, Hiroki Abe, and the like, the cut-price conditions should be clear to everyone. Apparently, both Frontale and Marinos see this as a worthwhile trade-off in the hope of advancing their own "brands", and building relationships in UK football. However, this doesnt mean that everyone in Japan thinks it was a great idea to let all the domestic talent leave, with little financial benefits to the clubs. Fans of J.League teams are not especially happy to see all their players moving to Europe, leaving the domestic game weaker. So please . . . for goodness sake . . . . SHOW A LITTLE COMMON SENSE. The attitude displayed by Scotland-based media over the past 6 months, towards the J.League, Japanese players, Japanese fans and Japan in general, has been (how should I put this ???) Lets just say that Headlines like this one are not providing football fans in Japan with a particularly positive image of Celtic, the SPL and Scottish football in general.

[@AlbirexNiigataSupport]

Their attitude? I'd say ignorant. I would go far more beyond than that considering how they shit on the J-League after these deals and constantly up on sleeves of reporters providing details and insights of transactions Marinos, Frontale and G Osaka went through for these deals and in addition, feels like they only care about what the player brings for them. Jeez, can they not spam "Please don't get injured!" whenever they're on international duty or they say "anyone else we could poach in the J-League?" Sounds a bit selfish for me. I also don't like the J-League getting weaker because of these deals and I'm well-aware how good players mean so much for their fanbases. I really do wish scottish football fans and international fans would put a little bit more respect the league considering it's the most competitive of all in the AFC.

[@AlbirexNiigataSupport]

Imagine if it was Tomiyasu moving from Avispa Fukuoka (in J2 at that time) to Celtic instead of Sint-Truiden back in 2017, they would've spouted some non-sense.

[@robertstrom5398]

Probally because North American players or mls players are in demand in Germany and j league is untouched mostly

[@ricksonhorikawa6578]

Sorry, but this is a very ignorant presumption. Since early 2010's the Bundeliga has been picking a rather big amount of japanese player (far more than north americans), this also happens with the other big 4 leagues, but more sporadically than Germany, though all of them already had sporadical japanese players in the early 2000's. The fact is until recently, most japanese players in europe were in the big leagues, but since around 2017 some few clubs in countries like Portugal, Belgium, Netherlands, Austria, Switzerland have begun to pick some (until them the numbers were few to none in these leagues) and it just needed 1 or 2 successful japanese players in each country for that number to double, or triple on these countries, as such since 2019, in each transfer window Portugal, Belgium and other countries come to raid the J.League, taking a huge number of players in some years. For example, right now there 12 to 15 japanese in Belgium, being the 2nd most numerous foreigners, just behind frenchs and ahead of dutches...Scotland is just another country to entry on the list of "J.League raiders". What happens is that these smaller leagues never paid attention to japanese, even when Germany, and even the other top 5 league paid attention much before, so they just needed picking some to see that they were more than enough for these leagues, while the big leagues (specially Germany) not only mantained the demand, but the number of them also increased (very natural considering the evolution of the country as football became more popular), right now for example there are 8 in Bundesliga, 3 more in the 2nd division who could very well already play on the 1st, the number only tends to grow, so no, MLS having demand isn't the reason, as J.League had a bigger demand even before, and it continues to grow. In total, there are about 60 japanese playing in what could be considered 1st and 2nd level european 1st divisions, personally I hate this, as the J.League is barely inferior than Portugal and Netherlands, have pretty much the same level as Belgium, and is superior by a good margin to Scotland, Austria, Switzerland, Poland, Russia, etc. The worse is that the clubs and league get weaker and are barely paid for them, as they still believe it's a "honor" and way to market themselves when a european club picks your player, not mattering from which country, or the size of the club, and they also always "respect" (too much) the players will to go abroad, and nowadays, every player wants to simply go to any random european league or club as soon as they can, as if just the name Europe, is sinonimous of a chance of playing on a big league (the top 5) and "status", both the league and players are too dumb, as they basically go almost for free, and subestimates themselves too much. In total there are fucking +350 japanese in Europe right now!! (I didn't believe at first, I had to research deeply to believe it!) most of them are extremely unknown on Japan itself, and plays for even more unknown countries or for lower divisions.

[@LankyLegs101]

The stats sound impressive, but it's a bit weird to compare them to teams in top 5 leagues when they aren't in a top 5 league.

[@paddynevs5885]

It’s Ange not angie

[@romiarkan450]

Problem is the Scottish League isn't really that much better than the J-League. Not to mention mainstream fans are quite disparaging of it, and the club have long been on the UEFA's shit list, and Scotland doesn't have a great continental coefficient which set back representative clubs' European journey further before it even begins. Also how hasn't the top flight been expanded to at least 16 clubs? Even a double round robin format totalling 30 games a season is enough. Playing the same opponents up to four times to fill the 38-game quota is going to get old quite quickly.

[@DragonLorne]

Clearly dont have a great understanding of Scottish football. Scotlands coefficient sees them currently sitting around 8th, which isn't amongst the elite, but for a country of 5 mil is extremely impressive. It isn't exactly the most fluent or skillful of leagues, but it is extremely fast paced and physical. Theres also a great wealth of young talent, many players like to use the SPFL as a stepping stone into the Premier league and the Spfl only benefits from that. Many teams or players with an arrogant mindset are often proven wrong up there. I too think the league should be expanded, but you have to remember due to the small population, there arent huge amounts of full time teams, plus the TV revenue from the extra derbys is enough to stop a league reform. The Scottish leage often gets slated and compared to the English due to its geographical location, but when you compare it to the dozens of other leagues with far greater investment, and much larger populations, it is punching well above its weight.

[@wilkie740]

It’s Ange not Angie

[@Daylightmotion]

For me not anywhere good because Scottish premier league is average standard football league. For me Is a good league for development footballers who want to play in bigger league in near future. Scottish fans, this is the fact that Scottish league can’t compete with any other top leaugue in Europe but definitely a development leaugue for upcoming rising star.

[@DragonLorne]

It is currently the 8th best league in Europe, for a population of 5 mil that is extremely impressive. Dont underestimate how physical and fast paced the Spfl is.

[@celticfan67]

GK: Joe Hart 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 LB: Omar Campos 🇲🇽 CB: Carl Starfelt 🇸🇪 CB: Cameron Carter-Vickers 🇺🇸 RB: Josip Juranović 🇭🇷 DM: Callum McGregor 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 (C) CM: Reo Hatate 🇯🇵 CM: Matt O’Riley 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 LW: Jota 🇵🇹 ST: Kyogo Furuhashi 🇯🇵 RW: Liel Abada 🇮🇱 Manager: Ange Postecoglou 🇦🇺👑 This is a SPECIAL Celtic team. Let’s win the Europa Conference League to cement it’s place in history! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🍀🔥

[@coldtoast]

FYI, it's pronounced Ang (Anj) not Angie.

[@kentgrady9226]

The standard of Japanese football is sinfully underrated. Kyogo and Reo are now 2 of the most feared players in Scotland, Maeda's impact was almost literally instantaneous, and Nakamura will forever be a Celtic legend. If Celtic aren't Japan's favorite foreign club, I've got no idea who else might be.

[@prabhatsingh7577]

Hatate just scored a brace in derby

[@kentgrady9226]

@@prabhatsingh7577 yes, he did. I watched the match. He was sublime.

[@AlbirexNiigataSupport]

If you think that's how easy to grow a fanbase in Japan then you're wrong. Nakamura is already a legend in Japan and yet football fans there still support the usual big european clubs, not to mention the younger demographic likes those clubs too, and Japanese football fans who only seem to care for Celtic are Yokohama F. Marinos (and some Yokohama FC) supporters since Nakamura, Postecouglou, and Maeda were fan-favorites for them.

[@kentgrady9226]

@@AlbirexNiigataSupport That's fair enough. I confess that I know very little about Japanese sporting passions. I made the comment based on my one-sided and anecdotal observation of Japanese baseball players who found success in my country, the United States. It seemed that success of a single player (Ichiro, for example) cultivated instant interest and passion from Japan. Advertising placards in Japanese. Stadium announcements were broadcasted in English, Spanish, and Japanese. There was an obvious presence of justifiably proud Japanese fans in the crowds. I acknowledge, what I saw might have been an exaggerated display. And certainly baseball and world football are different sports with vastly different landscapes. Regardless, I'm very pleased that my club has had such resounding success with the J League. I hope it continues.