Yang Hyun-jun has admitted that language is the biggest barrier as he settles in to life at Celtic.
The winger moved from Korean side Gangwon at the end of July and has started three SPFL matches as well as the Champions League match at home to Lazio.
Football is often referred to as an international language but there is a certain level of communication required on the pitch and training field to make things work during matches.
Using subtitles, Celtic TV reports Yang saying:
I don’t think there’s any difficulty getting used to life in Scotland but if I had to pick one, it would be the language. Since I’m not good at speaking English, there is a language barrier when I’m trying to communicate with other players on the team.
Other than that I have no problems. The speed of Scottish teams transitions from attack to defence or vice-versa is way quicker than Korean teams. Also, defenders here are a lot more physical.
It was such an honour to play in the Champions League. It’s a shame that I couldn’t show all of my ability as I was feeling a bit nervous since it was such a big game. The main team objective is to win the Premiership. My personal objective is to score my first goal and be of help to the team.
Yang arrived a month ahead of Luis Palma but with goals in each of his last two SPFL appearances the Honduran is making a quicker impact at his new club.
Starting a Champions League tie after starting just three SPFL Premiership matches isn’t ideal but it does give the Korean winger an idea of the standards that are required as a Celtic player.
With Marco Tilio now recovered from injury Brendan Rodgers does have options on the wing with Yang having to make his mark on the pitch to advance his Celtic claims.
“And defenders here are a lot more physical” –
Far too polite young man…
Call it for what it is – common assault and outright thuggery…
And call out the disgusting lack of protection from officials in Scotland –
A Sevco player in your position wouldn’t be backward in coming forward to do it !