Stuart Kettlewell, the manager of Motherwell, has told Riku Danzaki that it will be difficult to join his squad.
The Japanese midfielder, who had previously played for Brisbane Roar, joined the team in January and participated in Steven Hammell's final three games. However, he only appeared once under Kettlewell, coming on as a substitute in the 89th minute of a 2-0 victory over Hearts on February 19.
His absence was partially due to injuries, but Kettlewell was content with the likes of Harry Paton, Callum Slattery, and Blair Spittal in his midfield.
The 23-year-old was thought to be a player whose impact would grow once he adjusted to Scotland and the game, but it appears that he will have difficulty breaking into Kettlewell's plans.
"I never signed Riku," the Motherwell manager claimed. "It has been incredibly difficult to get him on the field. There have been a number of concerns with his fitness. He was able to compete for a few days before having to withdraw. For him and the football team, it has been frustrating because of how stop-start it has been.Riku obviously has a contract with the football team; he was brought here for a reason, but before that, when he was healthy, it was also challenging for him to make the team. We only make decisions based on training outcomes, performances, and what we observe on a Saturday.
Technically speaking, Riku, you can see why he was selected into the team for a specific kind of play. When it comes to formation, it has undergone significant modification. Riku most likely identifies as a number 10. I've occasionally avoided using a number 10.
"I see things quite differently, so that would definitely allow you to see why it could occasionally be challenging for him to get in.
Ricki Lamie attended Motherwell's first preseason practice on Monday morning after recovering from hernia surgery late in the 2017–18 campaign, when the Steelmen had already clinched their place in the top division.
Many players would have wanted to have the operation completed right away, so I need to give Ricki credit, Kettlewell said.
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preseason practice on Monday morning after recovering from hernia surgery late in the 2017–18 campaign, when the Steelmen had already clinched their place in the top division.
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