Celtic loan star Jota says he'll play wherever Ange Postecoglou needs him

By Euan Davidson

September 18, 2021

Celtic loanee Jota has told manager Ange Postecoglou that he’ll play anywhere the boss wants him to.

Jota, loaned in from Benfica with an option to buy, has impressed since arriving at Celtic Park. The Portuguese winger has played on either side of an attacking three, to devastating effect against Real Betis.

His run and pin-point cross for Albian Ajeti gave Celtic a lead in Seville, while he could’ve added one of his own later in the first half.

After already demonstrating his versatility, the former youth international sensation has expressed his commitment to playing wherever he’s needed.

Jota said [Herald]:

“The debut and this game speak for themselves.

“They were two good games.

“I will be where ever the coach wants me on the pitch. If he wants me on the right, I will be on the right.

“If he wants me on the left, I will be on the left. Or the front. I just want to learn as much as possible and I will stick with his ideas for sure.”

Jota and his self-belief bode well for Celtic

You want to have wingers with confidence. No, more than that – you want to have wingers with gallus, with determination and the ability to embarrass defenders, while utilising a useful end-product.

Jota, in just a short spell, has shown he’s capable. If he can send more left or right-backs for a pie during his time at Celtic, he’ll surely become a bona fide fan favourite.

Jota is also another example of the mental profile Postecoglou wants to bring at the club. Liam Scales has expressed similar sentiments since joining the club, while a raft of signings have explained how they want to be useful for the manager.

What the manager has done is he’s brought in players who are eager to prove themselves. Whether it’s after a rough season, or players who want to make themselves known at a higher level, these are players who quite closely resemble the manager’s own mindset.

After all, who is Ange Postecoglou if he’s not a manager building a reputation for himself in Europe? Someone who’s determined to prove any doubters wrong?

Jota seems similarly-minded. He’s adaptable, willing to learn and is committed to what his manager wants from him.

Read more: Celtic boss Postecoglou to address backroom staff issue