Big question marks have to be asked about Olivier Ntcham’s Celtic career at this point.
First off, you won’t get any argument from us about his quality. His consistency? That’s another story, but his technique and attributes are unquestionable.
The Frenchman, signed from Manchester City for £4.5million in the summer of 2017 (Daily Mail), has it all. His passing range is perhaps unmatched in Scotland when he’s on his game. His footwork has the ability to dazzle despite a lack of pace. Ntcham remains a decent finisher in front of goal, and is also a tremendous ball-winner too.
Of course, he has to actually be up for it in order for these qualities to shine through. And at Parkhead over the last 12 months, he’s rarely looked like he was up for the fight.
Last season, injury seemed to strike him at unfortunate times of the campaign. In saying that, however, Ntcham also just wasn’t good enough for large spells. That’s fine, however. Neil Lennon could’ve worked with him over the coming weeks to help find out what’s been plaguing him over the last year.
But Celtic now have serious questions to ask regarding their out-of-sorts midfielder after his latest comments. Ntcham told L’Equipe that he was “disappointed” not to sign for Porto last summer. He then told them that he feels he would “blossom” at Marseille.
Olivier Ntcham’s Celtic career feels like it’s winding down
Whether you want to defend him or not, this is wholly unprofessional from Ntcham. Not for the first time he’s speaking about wanting to leave Celtic. He’s throwing himself out there in ridiculous fashion, and at the same time having a pop at our own league.
The worst thing Celtic can now do is bring Ntcham back and let him strut around the place as if nothing is wrong. Those quotes are difficult to misinterpret. We’re not buying any claims of that for a second. It would take a lot of misinterpreting for Ntcham to not have spoken about wanting a move from Glasgow over the last few months.
What makes it all the more baffling is the fact he was quite happy to sign a long-term deal with us as recently as November. Granted, there could’ve been guarantees from the club about selling him at some stage. But even then, we actually need clubs to come in for him in order to accept any offers.
Celtic right to look for value
Celtic reportedly want £10m for Ntcham (Football Scotland). Quite right too. He was a pricey investment, and we’re entitled to look for a good sum in order to part ways with him. Considering the undoubted talent he holds, we can’t just throw it away.
But Ntcham should be hit with a punishment from the club too when he’s back in training. The day we let players open up the way Ntcham has is the day we let ourselves get walked over. A strong fine and a reminding of Ntcham’s place would be ideal from Celtic.
As it stands, it feels as though we’ll be lucky to see him in a Hoops shirt ever again. And unless Ntcham makes a big apology to his team-mates, Celtic need to take the rough approach with him.
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