'I found the French league more physical than in Scotland with Celtic,' Kyogo

The Japan international joined Birmingham City in the summer after an underwhelming six-month spell with Rennes. Although Rennes spent £10 million to sign Kyogo from the Hoops, he saw little game time before being sold to the English Championship side, where he made his competitive debut in Friday’s 1-1 draw with Ipswich Town at St Andrews.

In a media interview back in Japan, Kyogo revealed that he found it difficult to cope with both the physical nature of French football and the language barrier. Speaking via The Herald, Kyogo said: He said: “I found the French league more physical than in Scotland with Celtic. The manager told me I had to adapt and find a way around it.

“But when I am frustrated in Japan, I have people I can talk to. In France, there was no one. I didn’t have an interpreter like I was used to and that didn’t help either. I studied French for six months, but I don’t think I got anywhere with it.”

“It’s so important for me to be playing games now with the World Cup less than a year away. It will come around quickly.”

The ex-Celtic hero saw an impressive goal harshly disallowed during his first competitive appearance for Chris Davies’ side on Friday evening. Only eight minutes into the game, Kyogo skillfully brushed past his defender before delivering a delicate lob that found the back of the net.

His celebration was halted when officials ruled he had committed a foul on Ipswich defender Jacob Greaves just prior to scoring.

Despite Jay Stansfield opening the scoring for the Blues, pouncing on a separate Kyogo chip which struck the post, Birmingham’s hopes of a win in their opening league game were dashed when Scotland international George Hirst scored an equaliser from the penalty shot during stoppage time. The decision was harsh to say the least.

Conor Spence

THE HANGOVER…So better late than never …