Odsonne Edouard has rubbished the idea that he’ll be extra motivated on Thursday night just because he’s playing in France.
The striker is returning to his homeland for just the second time as a Celtic player. The first was a 7-1 mauling at the hands of PSG, but Thursday’s visit to Stade Rennais looks like it will be much closer than that mismatch.
Edouard didn’t even feature in the matchday squad against PSG. But that won’t be a concern heading into Thursday’s clash in Brittany. And one theory heading into the game is that Edouard will be even more determined to put on a show now that he’s back home.
However, speaking at a media conference in comments picked up by the Daily Record, he dismissed that idea.
“The target for us as a group is to finish in the top two so we can move on to the knock-out phase. That’s the key. I’m not necessarily more motivated to score against Rennes because they are a French team. It doesn’t matter whether I score, France or Scotland, because a game is a game.
“In the Europa League, the opposition is stronger, one of two levels above. Of course, I know there are expectations of me performing at that level and that’s good. I am going to try and step up.”
Edouard not focusing on potential French suitors
In fairness, we gave our view that a return to France should provide Edouard with added motivation a couple of days ago. And even though he’s saying to the media it doesn’t, it must be spurring him on just a little.
Moussa Dembele was the last French Celtic player to score in France. He was the goalscorer during that humbling night in Paris. It’s not clear how much that goal ultimately led to Lyon signing him up, but it did him no harm.
Edouard’s performances in the Europa League could be key to determining how much interest there is in him next summer.
What makes his comments so pleasing for fans is that he’s not interested in impressing anyone else. He only comes across as wanting to do a job for the club. He isn’t looking to find French suitors, and isn’t entertaining any idea of a move.
This is exactly the mindset Celtic are going to need Edouard in heading into this campaign. Last season, Eddy notched just two goals in our Europa League matches. He could do with ending our next six European adventures with a higher total than that. If he does, we’ll likely be in a good place.
However, it’s clear his return back home on Thursday isn’t going to faze him. Hopefully, that bodes well for all of us.
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