Reo Hatate Celtic News: ‘Dreadful’ Display see Supporters Furious as Stats Emerge from Europa League Exit
Despite going into the second leg 3-1 down, the Hoops had a small hope of a comeback when Luke McCowan netted within the first minutes to reduce the deficit.
However, Celtic struggled to muster much else as the German side saw out their lead with ease.
While Martin O’Neill did make a series of changes to the lineup, the travelling fans were still disappointed with some stars, including Hatate, who struggled to open up Stuttgart’s defence.
⚽ Celtic Matchday ⚽
>Team news, line-ups, expert previews and verdicts, and tactical analysis for every Hoops fixture.
Celtic fans have seen enough of Reo Hatate after Europa League knockout
Hatate has often been ridiculed by Celtic’s fanbase this season.
The 28-year-old has struggled to rekindle the form he has previously shown at the Hoops, and has often become a passenger in O’Neill’s side.
As a result, he was dropped from the starting XI in recent matches, as Celtic look to recover their season.
However, in the season leg, he was given a chance to find his form, something that clearly did not happen.
Celtic fans were furious with the display and quickly took to X to demand that O’Neill simply stop giving the midfielder minutes, with it being clear that he is now past his best.
How bad was Reo Hatate against Stuttgart?
According to Fotmob on 26 February, Hatate certainly had a game to forget.
The midfielder struggled throughout, as he failed to create a single chance, had just one shot and lost all of his ground duels before he was taken off after 78 minutes.
While he did make some defensive contributions, producing six recoveries and two clearances, it was not enough to impress.
As a result, O’Neill has to look at other options in his midfield.
| Reo Hatate’s stats vs Stuttgart | |
| Minutes | 78 |
| Chances created | 0 |
| Shots | 1 |
| Ground duels won | 0 |
| Recoveries | 6 |
| Clearances | 2 |
Hatate struggled against StuttgartNow that they are out of the Europa League, all of the focus will be on the Scottish Cup and the Scottish Premiership title race.
If Hatate continues to ghost in games, it could be detrimental and prevent the Hoops from winning either of the trophies.
As a result, a long period on the bench may be for the best, with it being clear that he cannot start in Sunday’s Old Firm derby.
Don’t Miss a Beat: Your Celtic Insider Access
Get the full story from Celtic Park and Lennoxtown with our dedicated expert hubs:
