Haissem Hassan talks Glasgow, Celtic and Europa League
Haissem Hassan was one of the footballers who lit up the recent World Cup so his subsequent move to Celtic certainly thrilled our support…
It’s fair to say that the Paris born Egyptian international winger has shown flashes of what he has to offer without yet making a meaningful impact in a Celtic jersey as he still awaits his first goal for the club and a start to what will surely be a flurry of assists.
Hassan impressed in midweek against Dundee United
Hassan came off the bench on Wednesday night with Jota and the two wingers made an immediate difference to the game, with Jota getting the assist for Liam Scales’ equaliser. Meanwhile Hassan was just as involved on the right wing and delivered multiple crosses that had Kasper Hogh still been on the park, might have resulted in a Celtic victory.
It not quite clicking for him so far is frustrating for the former Real Oviedo talisman, but there’s little doubt that it will start to happen – hopefully today – for the Celtic winger. Despite these frustrations Haissem and his family have settled into their new life in Glasgow and are enjoying the city and the people.
Hassiem and his family loving life in Glasgow
“I am happy here. It’s a nice city. I live here with my family and they are happy here, too,” Haissem admitted, as reported by Daily Record. “It is cold but it is good! It’s a big city that has it all so I’m happy here. It’s good to feel the love of the fans. I try to stop as much as possible and take a photo with them.
“I like the culture. But I have been living in France and Spain where people have dinner quite late. Here it’s very early so it’s the only thing I need to get used to.”
Hassan though has football matters on his mind and is really keen to kickstart his Celtic career turning sparkling potential into a more tangible measurement with his goals and assist tallies, while also developing his game to contribute defensively to help his teammates.
Goals and assists – Hassan’s Celtic targets
That in the medium term is going to be essential if he is going to be regarded as a crucial player and a regular starter in the Celtic team.
“I am really keen to score my first goal for Celtic and also add assists. The goal feels closer and closer. The other day I was close. The game before that I assisted goals so hopefully it will come soon,” Hassan said.
He explained: “Defensive-wise I need to improve. On the attacking side I need the numbers on goals and assists. I should not be losing my head about it. I just need to focus on training. When I get the minutes, I need to try to produce and contribute to the team’s performance. I will focus on doing this.”
Shaun Maloney’s influence
Hassan also credited Shaun Maloney with helping him adjust his game to suit the way Celtic play the game.
“In terms of defending, the team in Spain asked me a lot as well. The teams you play against are also good teams and I had to defend more. Shaun helps me a lot. He is close to the players and always tries to help them.
“He had a good career as a winger. Whenever he speaks to me, I always try to listen and take it into account. Having him as a reference point really helps me.
“The wingers in this team are at a really good level. When I go on the pitch, I have to give my best. But the competition is good for us all. If one player comes out and does well, the rest of us know we must do even more. It’s been really good so far.”
After today Celtic’s attention turns to Besiktas
Next week Celtic take on Turkish outfit Besiktas at Celtic Park in what really is a must win match for the Hoops after three painful defeats have left the team pointless and in second bottom spot in the giant league table.
However a victory over the Istanbul side would change the complexion of the campaign significantly with what can be regarded as perhaps a run of easier fixtures to follow on from Besiktas.
“We still have five games to go. A win over Besiktas would give us hope and confidence. If we win the rest of the games or get as many points as possible, we definitely hope we can qualify for the next stage.
“This game is at home. We have the fans with us and hopefully we can get a good result. I don’t think that the Europa League has been a disappointment. We have a good side and management but the results have cost us.
“We are struggling a bit now. But we can improve and we’ll try to play in the best way.”
Falkirk first and three points the Celtic objective
Hassan is likely to be involved at Falkirk today – we will find out shortly when the team is announced if he’s in the starting XI as expected or has to settle for a place on the bench. Hopefully he starts and gets an assist for Kasper Hogh who is well used to playing his football on an artificial surface at Bodo Glimt.
