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Sead Haksabanovic opens up on social media and has no Celtic regrets
See the exclusive interview above with the Malmo attacker opening the curtain on his two years at Parkhead.
Football Scotland in discussion with Sead Haksabanovic
Sead Haksabanovic claims he doesn’t regret the social media outburst that essentially lost him his Celtic career.
Following aiding Ange Postecgolou’s team achieve a renowned Treble in his inaugural year, the winger became a beloved figure at Parkhead. But only months later after failing to see eye-to–eye with Brendan Rodgers, Haksabanovic found himself farmed out on loan to Stoke City. Less than 24 hours after coming off the bench in a goalless draw against St Johnstone, the furious forward claimed he was not appreciated at Celtic Park, shocking Instagram. Days were numbered.
The Montenegro international found an escape path to the bet365 Stadium with just few days of the summer window remaining. But after the 25-year-old joined Malmo permanently over the summer, he never would pull on the hoops once again.Haksabanovic’s stint in Glasgow ended bitterly, and while some supporters felt let down by his online behavior, the former Rubin Kazan player has now presented his side of the story.
Haksabanovic said in an exclusive interview with Football Scotland before last week’s Europa League loss to Rangers: “I wouldn’t say that I regret it [the Instagram post]. To the supporters, it was nothing at all. I felt I was not treated as the others were, so I need to search for myself and make sure I’m fine. I don’t want to get into specifics and everything; it is between myself and them.
“They always want the best for the club, and I followed that as long as I was a Celtic player as well. But I had to defend myself as well because of things someone can do against me and if I object, feel appreciated or respect it… it didn’t need to go so far as I needed to publish it, but it got so far so I had to do something for myself.”
Rodgers later said he was “surprised” by Haksabanovic’s comments.
“We discussed it following a training session” Haksabanovic said. “We shook hands and everything; it was a nice chat. I then felt they wanted me nowhere. Though they had other choices on the table, they continued turning away everything; I’m not sure why. They rejected me there. I had to act at last.
Realising the writing was essentially on the wall, Haksabanovic returned from a disappointing loan stay at the Potters in the summer.
“The first thing I told Brendan [last year] was, ‘If you give me a real opportunity to give me a position in the squad, I will do whatever you say and work hard. If you order me to run ten laps around the field, it makes no difference what I do if you provide me a fair opportunity. I understood a little bit about their feelings, hence in the summer I didn’t interact with them as much. Ultimately, it was more like a choice taken by both myself and them.”
(Image: SNS Group)
Malmo made Haksabanovic their most costly summer acquisition, so they trusted the gifted forward. But the former West Ham player drew criticism from the green-and- white supporters when he later said in an interview that Rodgers “because the board wanted me to stay” was mostly responsible for his leaving.
Haksabanovic clarified his remarks: “The thing I can say is when Brendan arrived, he wanted other players to play in front of me. I like his honest statement that I was not in his intended playing schedule.
“So I would leave the team. The board, however, said, “No, we want you to stay here because we think you can take a place in the team.” It was therefore unlike anything both of them had experienced. Furthermore, it didn’t make sense why he replaced me on two games we were losing and needed points on. When he previously informed me I wasn’t in his plans, he substituted me. His actions and words therefore didn’t make sense to me.
“As I’m saying now, the board rejected whatever they had on offer. Finally, I told them my head vanished and the best thing I could do was go play.”
Haksabanovic represents one of Europe’s largest clubs, hence he is incredibly pleased even if his stay in Scotland was cut short earlier than he intended. He has no resentment. He will always carry with him being a member of an old Treble-winning club and experiencing Champions League games.
“Every time I look back when occasionally you have a bad day, you think about these days,” he remarked. Those were senior level first trophies. I’m quite pleased with that. It stood alone. Every member of the squad enjoyed friendly ties. Everybody was doing well even if there were individuals from all across the globe. Not only on the pitch, but also in the dressing room we had something unique.
How then would he sum up his time at Celtic? “I’m delighted with my first season. Obviously, I wanted to play more. Being able to claim I played for Celtic during my career makes me really proud.
“That’s among the largest clubs in Europe. Everybody worldwide is familiar with Celtic people. Everywhere I have go, it seems as if “You have played for Celtic!” It makes me glad to be able to claim having played for Celtic. I’m rather happy with several Celtic jerseys I have at home and photos.
Currently representing the most successful club in Sweden, Haksabanovic aims to start his career with Malmo and realize his actual ability.
He said: “Right now, in terms of mind, I feel the greatest I have ever experienced. I’m hungry than I have ever been while not hurt. In my perspective, throughout the years I have learnt so much. I am hungrier than ever and am the finest spot in my thoughts where I could be right now. Thus, score many goals, assist a lot, and perhaps win medals.”
Sky Sports panel so astounded by “ridiculous” Celtic that even Kris Boyd cannot conceal appreciation
The finest team in Scotland is Celtic, and analysts are gushing over Brendan Rodgers’s side’s recent explosive exploits. They are falling over themselves.
From only nine games in all competitions this season, the current Scottish champions have scored an amazing 33 goals, surrendering just three in reaction.
The biggest single win so far was Saturday night’s 6-0 thumping of St Johnstone, which has inspired waves of adoration from fans, media, and past players.
While Sky Sports followed with their own assessments before of Sunday’s TV encounter at Ibrox, BBC Sportsound panelists characterized the team as the best seen in the nation for a long time.
Jack Ross approves of “relentless” Celtic
When asked what Jack Ross thought of Celtic’s present performance, he pointed out what the Bhoys are currently doing well.
“They have been relentless thus far in their performances,” he remarked. With and without the ball, I find their play to be really remarkable in pace.
“For them, there are all the minute additional details that appear to be functioning. Alistair Johnston’s choice to come inside to develop the game merely accelerates how fast Paulo Bernardo’s goal can be acquired, given the quantity of runners he has coming from farther areas. Early in the build-up to Paulo Bernardo’s goal.
“Quality of finishing, delivery, it’s simply a moment for them when everything is working. If they keep in that shape, you worry about the rest of the league as they now seem absolutely, very beautiful.
Even Kris Boyd contributes to the chorus of Celtic appreciation.
James McFadden expressed his views with a straightforward assessment: “The goals they’re scoring are ridiculous.”
Reacting to it, notably pro-Rangers commentator Kris Boyd remarked: “They’re all in tune with one other as well. Knowing precisely where their colleagues would be, they do not need to touch, contact, touch. Put it in the area; they will know someone is going to be there.
“It goes beyond that as well. It makes no difference what nation they are in; all the elite teams work tirelessly, and that is precisely what Celtic does.
Boyd said, “It was unbelievable,” talking to Adam Idah’s mouthwatering goal to finish off the six-goal blowout.
🍀 “A quite magnificent performance”
The studio analyse Celtic’s big win at McDiarmid Park & Tiernan Lynch’s links with the St Johnstone job ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/JpMBfCpOuh
— Sky Sports Scotland (@ScotlandSky) September 29, 2024
Under Brendan Rodgers, Bhoys go from strength to strength.
As a Celtic supporter, this is really an exciting period. With massive events in Europe, on-fire displays at home, and the possibility of even more silverware this term, there is a countdown to every chance we have to witness Rodgers’s heroes on the field.
Over the last 12 months, he has clearly improved the squad in attitude, offensive quality, and defensive resilience; but, he still feels he has much to develop this present bunch. The sensible money is on Celtic, even improving from here on.
Kris Boyd describes the ire of the Rangers in a text message from Chris Sutton, which left the Celtic icon in a state of awe
The former Hoops striker was astounded that Gers were able to avoid a red card during their match against Hibs.
Chris Sutton may not be present at Ibrox today, but the Celtic legend was still attentive to the match between Rangers and Hibs.
The Sky Sports pundit was granted a day off following the impressive 6-0 victory of the Celts at St Johnstone on Saturday night. In Sutton’s absence, Jack Ross, the former manager of the Hibees, provided a perspective from the green side of Edinburgh during Sky’s coverage of the 12 p.m. kick-off.
Nevertheless, the former Celtic striker was acknowledged at halftime after sending a deluge of texts to Kris Boyd inquiring as to why Rangers were not a man down. A VAR penalty was awarded to the visitors just before halftime after John Souttar obstructed a shot with his arm. However, Mykola Kuharevich, who is currently on loan at Swansea City, was unable to negate Tom Lawrence’s opening goal, as his subpar effort was saved by Jack Butland.
Although there are no complaints regarding the spotkick, Sutton believes that Souttar was fortunate to remain on the field. He was not hesitant to inform his friend Boyd of the situation.
Boyd disclosed, “May I clarify a matter?” The communications from my close acquaintances included the question, “Why has he not been sent off?” Jack Butland is behind him, and he would have prevented the dismissal. Therefore, he was not denied an obvious opportunity to score a goal. There you have it, Mr. Sutton. He immediately sent me a text message inquiring, “Why is that not a red card?” Immediately, to be frank.”
Presenter Eilidh Barbour simply shook her head and laughed, stating, “I am amazed that we are discussing this matter when he is not present.” “They are in dispute, and they are not both present.”
Celtic’s injury update is disclosed as Rangers’ pursuit of a player who is “wanted” addresses transfer speculation.
This weekend, Celtic and Rangers were both involved in Scottish Premiership matches.
Celtic’s emphatic performance resulted in a 6-0 victory at St Johnstone on Saturday afternoon. Two goals were tallied by Kyogo Furuhashi, and Paulo Bernardo, Callum McGregor, Daizen Maeda, and Adam Idah also scored.
The Hoops are the focus of the Rangers’ pursuit in the upcoming weeks and months. I have included the most recent updates on the pair below…
Cameron Carter-Vickers will be evaluated by Celtic prior to their Champions League away match against Borussia Dortmund. The center-back has been sidelined for the past two matches due to a foot injury.
Brendan Rodgers has stated in the most recent update regarding his condition, “I am uncertain.” I will be informed tomorrow. View his current location. And then we will proceed on Monday. In the event that he is unavailable, that is acceptable. Auston Trusty entered the premises. Tonight, I believed that he performed exceptionally well. You have observed his velocity and his strength. He is operating from the right side, but his game is well-balanced. Additionally, I believed that he performed exceptionally well. Therefore, in the event that Cameron is unavailable, we have an individual who can immediately assume his responsibilities.
In the meantime, Greg Taylor, the left-back, was substituted during the match against St Johnstone; however, there is optimism that he will recover without incident. This is the most recent information that his supervisor has disclosed: “Greg experienced a calf tightness during the initial 15 minutes.” Therefore, we remove him as a precautionary measure and replace him with Alex Valle. We anticipate that he will be unharmed.
Interest in the winger
According to a report by the Daily Record, Rangers expressed interest in Plymouth Argyle winger Morgan Whittaker during the summer, but no actual progress was made. The 23-year-old remained at Home Park beyond the deadline as a result of his substantial cost.
He addressed the topic of the Gers after his team’s recent 2-1 victory over Luton Town, telling the Western Morning News, “I have been in this situation before, so I know how to handle it and I found ways it worked for me. That’s just focusing on what I can do.” I believe that the distinction between my time at Swansea and this time is that I was aware that I would be playing here. In my opinion, it was a mutually beneficial arrangement, as I am thoroughly enjoying my time here and am actively engaged in gaming. Additionally, if I were to relocate, it would be to a higher level that I aspire to. I did not perceive it as an undesirable circumstance.
Rodgers’ post-match remarks are criticized by a pundit
Tam McManus, a former Hibernian forward, has criticized Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers for what he considers to be a lack of contrition in response to comments made by Rodgers following Celtic’s 6-0 victory over St Johnstone on Saturday.
Soccer Football – Champions League – Celtic v Slovan Bratislava – Celtic Park, Glasgow, Scotland, Britain – September 18, 2024 Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers reacts Action Images via Reuters/Jason Cairnduff
Rodgers addressed detractors who accused his team of playing sluggish and unproductive football during the post-match interviews held last season. Celtic’s impressive display at McDiarmid Park, which included a brace from Kyogo Furuhashi, as well as goals from Paulo Bernardo, Callum McGregor, Daizen Maeda, and Adam Idah, prompted this response.
Rodgers’ rebuttal to his detractors was deemed superfluous by McManus, as it undermined his own principles of humility.
He published a message on the social media platform X:
Fantastic performance and result. Looks a seriously strong Celtic squad but no need for the pop as at the time Celtic were not playing good football. Not scoring a goal v Kilmarnock & St Johnstone in back to back weeks proves that. Brendan goes on about staying humble. Well i’m… https://t.co/yhRmvhQg8F
— Tam McManus (@The_Tman10) September 28, 2024
Celtic’s excellent start to the season, which includes 20 goals scored and no conceded in their first six league matches, is a substantial departure from the criticisms of the previous year. The team is exhibiting a potentially more dynamic and effective style of play under Rodgers.
It could be argued that Celtic are employing Angeball in their attack, with a more organized counter press and a compact defensive unit.
Currently, the Hoops are experiencing success, as evidenced by their impressive goal difference of +20, which has been achieved in only six games. May it persist indefinitely.
An unforgettable Daizen Maeda moment
This has become so commonplace among Celtic fans that it may be considered an expectation. Nevertheless, we will never weary of Daizen Maeda’s pursuit of opposing players, even when the bhoys are 6-0 up with five minutes remaining.
The video of the Japanese star sprinting back to retrieve the ball after a sloppy pass in the final third has gone viral, marking another Daizen moment.
The winger could have been excused for allowing this one to fall, but in typical Daizen fashion, he witnesses Celtic loose the ball and sprints the length of the field to retrieve it.
Winning 6-0. 86 minutes. Daizen Maeda… pic.twitter.com/rvRlIOs28n
— Stewart Ross (@StewartRoss89) September 29, 2024
Maeda and Celtic will provide additional information in the future.
Celtic were exceptional throughout their performance in Perth. The boys truly demonstrated their capabilities. Nevertheless, you continue to believe that this group has more to offer and has not yet reached its peak.
Maeda was initially recruited by Ange Postecoglou; however, Brendan Rogers has since elevated him to greater heights. Maeda is an exceptional Celtic athlete due to his exceptional work ethic and integrity, both on and off the field.
The next challenge for the Hoops is a harrowing journey to Dortmund. We can hope for a positive outcome in Germany, but it will be a difficult evening
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