“I’m Frustrated and Disappointed. I can’t believe I had to watch the game from outside…” – Celtic star player speaks out, explains his REGRETS to be expected from the last game that was played, reveals what he’ll do.

Reo Hatate, Celtic’s dynamic midfielder, has expressed his frustration over being left out of Japan’s squad during the recent international fixtures, despite being called up by manager Hajime Moriyasu. Hatate’s omission from the final 23-man squad for both matches—against China and Bahrain in the World Cup qualifying campaign—was a bitter pill for him to swallow. However, the talented midfielder remains determined to channel his disappointment into further growth and improvement for both his club and future international opportunities.

Japan’s national team manager had initially selected 27 players for the two games, yet only 23 could be listed for matchday involvement. Despite traveling over 5000 miles from Glasgow to Japan, Hatate failed to make it onto the bench for either game. This exclusion was particularly stinging, given that Hatate had been in strong form since the start of Celtic’s domestic campaign, contributing both goals and assists for his club. For Hatate, the trip that seemed to promise so much turned into a personal setback.

In a statement addressing his frustration, Hatate opened up about his feelings. “I would be lying if I said I did not have regrets about the recent Asian qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup,” he shared. “Japan played China at home and Bahrain away, and although I was selected for the national team, I was unable to make the 23-man squad for both games. I had been in good condition since pre-season and was confident that I could play an active role on the pitch.”

The 25-year-old midfielder had every reason to be optimistic heading into these matches. Since the commencement of the Scottish Premiership season, Hatate has been a key player for Celtic, contributing to the team’s attacking play and maintaining a high level of performance. His exclusion came as a surprise to many, not least himself. Reflecting on the emotional toll of the situation, Hatate described how difficult it was to watch from the sidelines after traveling such a long distance.

“I was frustrated and disappointed to watch the game from the outside after traveling from Glasgow. I believe that frustration is natural for any player, and without it, there would be no growth. It is the coach’s decision who plays, and as a player, I cannot control that. But what I can control is my response to the situation.”

Despite the personal setback, Hatate refused to let the experience define him negatively. Instead, he took the opportunity to reflect on areas for personal development. Writing for Sportiva, Hatate explained how he used the disappointment as a motivator. “I decided to focus on what I could do to make the team next time. Training, eating, sleeping, and staying in shape—these are all things within my control.”

Hatate’s positive attitude toward improvement has been a hallmark of his career. Since arriving at Celtic from Kawasaki Frontale in January 2022, he has quickly adapted to life in Scottish football, becoming a fan favorite at Parkhead. His technical ability, vision, and work rate have all contributed to his rising stock as one of Celtic’s most influential players. However, the challenges he faces on the international stage are different, with fierce competition for places in Japan’s midfield.

Japan’s national team is blessed with a plethora of midfield talent, including players like Wataru Endo and Takefusa Kubo, which makes breaking into the starting eleven a tough task for anyone, no matter their form. Hatate’s versatility, which allows him to play both as a central midfielder and a more advanced playmaker, has been an asset at Celtic but has yet to earn him consistent opportunities on the international stage. His recent experience serves as a reminder that even the best players must remain resilient when facing adversity.

For Celtic, the positive takeaway from Hatate’s international disappointment is his renewed focus and hunger to succeed in the Scottish Premiership and beyond. With Celtic’s domestic campaign underway and the Champions League group stages approaching, Hatate is determined to use his club performances to remind Japan’s coaching staff of his quality. The Champions League offers an excellent platform for players like Hatate to showcase their skills on one of the biggest stages in football, and he will be eager to seize that opportunity.

“Now, my focus is on Celtic,” Hatate said. “The Champions League is just around the corner, and I want to be in the best possible shape to help my team succeed.”

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers will undoubtedly be pleased to have a player like Hatate so committed to improving and contributing to the team. With crucial fixtures ahead, Rodgers will need all his key players to be at their best, and Hatate’s drive and determination will be a valuable asset.

Despite the initial frustration of missing out on playing for Japan, Hatate’s professionalism and desire to push forward serve as a testament to his character. Rather than dwelling on the setback, he is choosing to focus on what lies ahead. His dedication to self-improvement will not only benefit his club but also put him in a stronger position for future international call-ups.

Japan’s next round of fixtures may provide Hatate with another chance to break into the squad, and if his performances for Celtic continue to impress, it will be difficult for the national team management to overlook him. The midfielder’s mindset is clear: he knows he can’t control the coach’s decisions, but he can control his own preparation and performance.

In the high-pressure world of international football, mental strength is just as important as physical ability. Hatate’s ability to turn frustration into motivation is an example of the resilience needed to succeed at the top level. For now, his sights are firmly set on Celtic’s upcoming challenges, with a promise to continue working hard and seizing the opportunities that come his way.

As Celtic fans look forward to the season ahead, they can take comfort in knowing that one of their star players is fully committed to the cause, with the added motivation of proving himself worthy of both club and country recognition. Hatate’s journey is far from over, and if his attitude is any indication, he will only come back stronger from this temporary setback.