Yang Hyun-jun's standout performance prompts Celtic coach to request girlfriend stay

Brendan Rodgers, manager of Celtic, asked Yang Hyun-jun's (23) girlfriend not to leave Scotland.

Celtic 'Celtic A Here' reported on the 2nd (Korean time) that "Rodgers revealed the funny reason hidden behind Yang Hyun-jun's brilliant form. He praised Yang Hyun-jun, who once again stood out in the match against St. Mirren."

On the same day, Celtic defeated St. Mirren 5-2 in the 29th round of the 2024-2025 Scottish Premier League held at St. Mirren Park in Paisley, Scotland. This secured Celtic 75 points, extending their lead over second-place Rangers (59 points) to 16 points.

Yang Hyun-jun dominated the match with 2 goals and 1 assist. He came on as a substitute in the 20th minute of the second half when the score was tied at 2-2, and within three minutes of entering the game, he scored. Yang capitalized on a cross from Leo Hattate, finishing with a precise header to net the team's third goal. His first touch resulted in a goal.

Yang Hyun-jun also shook the net with a pass from Hattate in the 31st minute of the second half, but it was ruled offside. However, the disappointment was brief. In the 43rd minute of the second half, Yang evaded a defender near the midfield and threaded a forward pass to Daizen Maeda. Maeda converted this into a goal, making it 4-2.

That wasn't the end. Yang Hyun-jun once again headed in a cross from the left during stoppage time in the second half, scoring a multi-goal. The match ended in a resounding victory for Celtic.

Yang Hyun-jun, who produced 2 goals and 1 assist in about 25 minutes, burst onto the scene from the bench and was named Man of the Match, recognized as the best player of the day.

Until the first half of the season, Yang Hyun-jun could not escape being on the bench. His offensive points were low, making substitutions difficult. However, after breaking his season drought with a goal in January, he gradually started to flourish as a 'game changer.' His performance in the last 6 games has reached an impressive 3 goals and 3 assists.

Rodgers revealed that the secret to Yang Hyun-jun's performance is his girlfriend. He joked in an interview with the BBC, "Yang Hyun-jun is very happy to have his girlfriend here. I told the translator to make sure she stays here!"

Additionally, Rodgers stated, "Yang Hyun-jun is a young player who is growing and developing. This is not just about simple achievements or results but about the growth of young players." He praised, "Yang Hyun-jun is a strong player who is adapting to pressure. I am pleased to see him grow as a professional athlete."

Yang Hyun-jun has now become an important member of Celtic. Celtic A Here emphasized that "the dazzling performances of Yang Hyun-jun have played a pivotal role in Celtic's recent success. He has once again disrupted opponents with his aerial ability and movement." It added that "the increasingly confident Yang Min-hyuk is becoming a more crucial part of Rodgers' plans as the season reaches its end."

The media continued, "As Celtic consistently challenges for the Domestic Treble, Rodgers' focus on player development will be essential for Yang Hyun-jun and other players to take on their roles in the team and continue to grow. Fans are particularly curious about what will happen to Yang Hyun-jun's future if his girlfriend remains in Scotland."

The BBC also took note of Yang Hyun-jun's performance. The media commented that "the skills of South Korean winger Yang Hyun-jun have noticeably improved. Now it will be difficult for manager Rodgers to exclude him from the starting lineup," forecasting that Yang Hyun-jun could pull ahead in the competition for a starting spot.

Yang Hyun-jun has now recorded 5 goals and 6 assists this season. He is now expected to join the South Korean national soccer team led by coach Hong Myung-bo in the upcoming March A-Match. Yang had distanced himself from the national team due to an unstable position in his club but has revived his prospects with an impressive run of offensive contributions.

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