Liel Abada has been one of the best players at Celtic over the past two seasons. The little Israeli winger was a stalwart in Ange Postecoglou’s first two seasons at the club.
29 goals and 22 assists in 112 appearances in the Hoops is a healthy return from the youngster but this season, Abada has had a stuttering start due to injury. (Transfermarkt)
But since returning to the first-team, Abada hasn’t looked himself. His form has suffered and he looks a shadow of the player who was rampant under Ange Postecoglou.
Obviously, the ongoing conflict in Israel and the pressure he is receiving from his homeland to leave Celtic doesn’t help and maybe that’s the reason why Abada did this last night:
Celtic fans are unhappy with Liel Abada’s conduct
Whilst the Israeli winger looks unhappy at Celtic, the fans are not happy that the youngster doesn’t take the time to thank the fans at the end of each game.
One fan on that thread on X said, “He’s done that a few times now. Head down when subbed last home game. There was no interaction with the crowd who were clapping him off. Heads gone doesn’t want to be here.” and another suggested he needs to be let go, “Get him out asap.”
Another fan questioned Abada’s loyalty to the club, “No problem lifting his wages every week but, that comes from fans pockets! Difficult situation for him but for me he’s done at Celtic! Shouldn’t be near a Celtic team again! Would you trust him if he’s bearing down on goal to stick away? Move him on as soon as possible!!”
This Celtic fan had a theory (a bizarre one at that) on why Abada’s form has dipped, “I’m convinced he’s doing certain things on purpose. Making the easy/wrong pass, hiding behind defenders, making the wrong runs, not breaking his neck to get back & defend. Happy at the 2nd goal as he’ll get a win bonus.”
Whilst another was more pragmatic and said he is still trying to find his fitness, “He needs to get to the summer sort his head out. It is hard for any player especially a dynamic player to come back from a long injury into a side not playing great. His game is about running into space, in the box at backpost for goals. No crosses coming in no space to run into.”
However, one Celtic fan (and there were a few that thought this) is of the same opinion as me when he posted, “He can’t be seen to be interacting with fans who are waving Palestine flags regardless of what you or I think of the situation. He is merely keeping a low profile.”
Brendan Rodgers’ verdict on Liel Abada’s Celtic future
When transfer speculation was at its peak, the Celtic manager was unequivocal in his support for Abada. Rodgers slapped a not-for-sale sign on the winger and shared his sympathy for Abada and the situation he finds himself in because of what’s happening in his homeland.
Rodgers said, “I know there have been stories generated for whatever reason, probably trying to second guess what has been going on with Liel.
“It’s very, very simple. Liel was out injured for a long period of time and he has gone back in and, again, he is a player I am excited to work with, that I can improve.
“He’s a player I spoke to very early on and he comes to me and we speak. His focus is very much on being here at Celtic and developing.
“Now, it’s natural with the difficulties that are happening in his homeland, you can’t ignore that. But he’s not someone we want to sell.” (The Sun)
Whatever is going on with Abada the Celtic fans will be hoping that he can get back to his best to help the club push on for the league title.
