Ange Postecoglou has taken Olivier Ntcham to Celtic’s pre-season training camp in Wales, and it’s certainly got supporters talking.
Ntcham has looked to be more or less out the door several times this summer. A series of updates from Greek journalist Giannis Chorianopoulos sent a rollercoaster of emotions through the Celtic support. The latest update being that AEK Athens will not make a transfer offer for the Frenchman.
That’s left Celtic with a major decision to make on Ntcham. His contract looks to have been extended for another year. The Scottish Sun meanwhile reported that he was training on his own as recently as last week. It looked certain he was for the off.
Now, however, he’s down in Wales, and that’s telling. New boss Postecoglou will only have taken players he wants to give an opportunity to. Players that he wants to run the rule over and see whether they can make an impact in his team this season.
That Ntcham is one of those that suggests the idea of an imminent exit can now be deemed unlikely.
The million dollar question; will Ange Postecoglou trust be reciprocated by Olivier Ntcham?
What isn’t known here is just how much desire Ntcham has to play for Celtic. Even if the prospect of a move is dwindling, does he truly have the urge to play in Scotland again? Can he motivate himself to get to his previous levels and remind everyone of his true talents?
Nobody will know that but the man himself. Even the manager may know he’s taking a risk just taking Olivier with him to Wales. In the past, he’s spoken about being too good for Scottish football and ready for the next level [L’Equipe].
Therefore, changing his mind on that particular aspect of Celtic would be a difficult thing to do. But Postecoglou is clearly satisfied enough that the Frenchman is ready to show what he’s got over the next couple of weeks.
The best thing for the player’s career is to start performing again. We have a UEFA Champions League second qualifying round coming up on July 20th. Ntcham should be looking at that as an opportunity to prove he can be an elite level European performer.
In any case, given everything that’s happened recently, Ntcham’s inclusion in the squad is a surprise. And reacting to the decision made by Postecoglou, Hoops fans have been mixed in their response.
https://twitter.com/AJThoms214/status/1412086678198624260
https://twitter.com/Garybhoygreen/status/1412228733839327236
https://twitter.com/bloxyMiku/status/1412125992693415940
In other news, Erik Sviatchenko has provided Midtjylland fans with a huge boost for the Celtic game.
Receive a digest of our best Celtic content each week direct to your mailbox
