The Ange Postecoglou Era: A Revolution in Green and White
When Ange Postecoglou was unveiled as Celtic manager in June 2021, few fans in Scotland knew what to expect. He arrived from Yokohama F. Marinos in Japan, not from a European powerhouse, and had the unenviable task of rebuilding a club that had been bruised and battered. The collapse of the 2020/21 season, both domestically and in Europe, was one of the darkest in recent memory for Celtic. Rangers, led by Steven Gerrard, had not only stopped the dream of ten titles in a row but had done so with an unbeaten league campaign, leaving Celtic in disarray.
Postecoglou walked into a club in transition — broken in spirit, lacking identity, and desperately needing new direction. What followed wasn’t just a managerial appointment. It was a footballing revolution.
Breaking from Tradition
Historically, Celtic’s recruitment policy had focused on European markets and occasional forays into English youth systems or second-tier leagues. The aim was often to find players with resale value or those capable of a stepping-stone move. But Ange didn’t just want footballers. He wanted players who understood what it meant to work within a system — high press, high energy, relentless commitment. And he knew exactly where to find them: the J-League.
It was an unconventional move. Japanese football, while growing in stature, was not a market often tapped by major European clubs, let alone Scottish ones. But Postecoglou, with his deep understanding of Japanese football and culture, saw what others didn’t. He knew these were not just technically gifted players — they were tactically astute, hard-working, and mentally disciplined. In many ways, they were ideal for the demands of Glasgow.
Kyogo Furuhashi: The Man Who Rekindled the Fire
Kyogo was the first of the trio to arrive, joining from Vissel Kobe in July 2021. From the moment he stepped onto the pitch, he captivated the Celtic faithful. Despite the language barrier, his connection with the fans was instantaneous. His smile, his passion, and above all, his sublime movement and clinical finishing brought joy back to Celtic Park.
He scored 20 goals in his first season and made an instant impact in European qualifiers and domestic competitions. Whether it was his brace against Hibernian in the League Cup final or his poacher’s instinct in Old Firm derbies, Kyogo established himself not just as a star, but as a talisman.
More than just a goal-scorer, he was the embodiment of Ange’s philosophy — high pressing, intelligent runs, selfless link-up play. He became a role model for how a forward should operate in this Celtic side.
Though he left during the 2025 January transfer window, his contributions during those years were immense. In many ways, Kyogo was the face of Ange’s rebuild — the player who made fans believe again.
Reo Hatate: The Artist in the Engine Room
Then came Reo Hatate — perhaps the most technically gifted of the three. Signed in January 2022, Hatate made one of the most memorable Celtic debuts in recent history. Against Hibernian, he dominated the midfield and scored a rocket of a goal. But it was his performance in the 3-0 demolition of Rangers at Celtic Park that truly announced his arrival. Hatate didn’t just play in that game — he orchestrated it.
As a midfielder, Hatate brought vision, precision, and an incredible engine. He could glide past players, switch play with ease, and press with intelligence. On his day, he made Celtic tick in ways few midfielders ever have.
What set him apart was his versatility — comfortable as an 8, a 10, or even a makeshift full-back when needed. But his football brain was always ahead of the game. Brendan Rodgers has often spoken about Hatate’s tactical intelligence and how he sees pictures others don’t.
Though injuries have occasionally stalled his momentum, he remains the heartbeat of this Celtic side. His impact isn’t always in the numbers — it’s in the control, the transitions, the intelligence. He’s a joy to watch and will likely go down as one of the best midfielders Celtic have had in the modern era.
Daizen Maeda: The Relentless Warrior Turned Match-Winner
Daizen Maeda was initially viewed as a utility man — someone with pace and pressing ability who could do a job out wide or through the middle. Signed in January 2022, he was perhaps the least hyped of the three, even though he arrived as the J-League’s top scorer.
For many, Maeda was all about effort — a pressing machine who never stopped running. But early critics questioned his technical polish, particularly in front of goal. Neil Lennon himself admitted that he ranked Maeda below Kyogo and Hatate in terms of quality when they all first arrived.
But Maeda, perhaps more than anyone, has grown year-on-year. His game has matured significantly — his touch has tightened, his composure in front of goal has improved, and his football IQ has evolved. Now, he isn’t just the tireless runner. He’s scoring big goals, including crucial strikes in cup semi-finals and league deciders. With Kyogo gone, Maeda has stepped up and filled the attacking void with aplomb.
Lennon, speaking in April 2025, openly admitted his view has changed: Maeda, in his eyes, is now the standout among the Japanese trio. And he’s not alone in that thinking.
Maeda represents something deeply Celtic — work ethic, improvement, and passion. He’s the player who evolved from an engine to an end-product, from a support act to a star.
A Legacy of Impact
What Postecoglou achieved at Celtic goes far beyond trophies. Yes, he delivered silverware, including back-to-back Premiership titles, a domestic treble, and impressive European showings. But more importantly, he brought belief back to the club.
He showed that Celtic didn’t need to conform to traditional recruitment paths. That value and talent could be found anywhere — if you had the courage and the footballing intelligence to look for it.
Kyogo, Hatate, and Maeda weren’t just good signings. They were transformative. They changed how Celtic played, how they trained, and how they saw themselves. They brought professionalism, humility, and excellence — qualities that raised the bar for everyone around them.
And their impact still resonates — not just in goals and assists, but in standards and culture.
So Who Had the Most Lasting Impact?
That’s a difficult question, because each of them left a unique mark:
Kyogo reignited the fire. He brought goals, glory, and unforgettable moments when the club needed them most.
Hatate brought elegance and control. He made football look effortless and gave Celtic midfield dominance they hadn’t seen in years.
Maeda brought growth, drive, and proof that hard work, when coupled with the right coaching, can turn a good player into a great one.
Perhaps the real answer is this: Their greatest legacy was shared. Together, they helped lead Celtic out of a difficult era and into a golden one. Together, they became symbols of Ange Postecoglou’s bold new world — a world where belief, identity, and quality returned to Celtic Park.
And while Kyogo may have moved on, and while Hatate and Maeda continue to write their stories, their place in Celtic’s history books is already secured.
If you had to pick one moment from the Ange era that sums it all up for you — Kyogo’s cup final heroics, Hatate’s performance against Rangers, or Maeda’s rise to prominence — which would it be?