Let Jota enjoy his football before permanent Celtic decision says Postecoglou

By Euan Davidson

October 23, 2021

Portuguese winger Jota has “fallen in love” with Celtic Football Club, says his manager Ange Postecoglou.

Jota, something of a throwback with his trickery, excellent hair and ability to frighten the life out of defenders, has been a huge hit at Parkhead. The Benfica loanee, signed for the season with a buy-out clause, has contributed hugely to the club’s recent run of wins.

He scored a winner against Aberdeen, the opener against Motherwell, and set up Kyogo for an all-time great European goal against Ferencvaros.

With 60,000 fans singing his praises twice a week, Jota has bought into life at the club, his manager says.

But Ange insists that any talk of his future needs to be about the player’s personal plans. For the moment, it’s about enjoyment.

Ange Postecoglou said [Sun]:

“Jota is just starting his career but he’s already fallen in love with Celtic.

“He loves the environment here and the supporters. Who wouldn’t? Who wouldn’t want to play for a football club where you get 60,000 cheering you on? The crowd is special.

“Let’s just let him enjoy it. Those kind of decisions will come in due course. From our perspective, I know everyone here is the same, we’ll do what’s best for the football club moving forward, and that will be in line with the player’s wishes.”

On bringing Jota in permanently, Postecoglou added [Sun]:

“I don’t know if it works that way. If that’s how they do things, if I’d need to tell them to put some money aside. We’ll always make decisions that are in the best interests of the club and the player.”

For both Jota and Celtic supporters, it’s about living in the moment

It’s understandable that there’s potential anxiety about not bringing Jota in permanently. Especially when he’s made such a telling impact for Celtic already.

Fans absolutely adore him. Postecoglou has brought in an extremely likeable bunch of players to the club, from Kyogo to Joe Hart. Jota is very much another name on the lips of supporters.

He just seems to get what we’re about.

However, it’s still only October. There’s plenty of time for Celtic to figure out what they need this season, let alone next. John Hartson said it’s about continuing this hot streak of form before making a permanent call on the loveable winger.

In time, the love-in between Jota and the Celtic supporters might only grow momentum. The club are in the driver’s seat here.

Postecoglou is right though. For club, player and supporters. Let’s just enjoy his performances. If his form is relentless and it becomes ridiculous not to sign him, then Postecoglou will surely make the necessary moves. We’ve got to have faith, faith, faith.

Today, against St Johnstone, we’ll see if the tricky Benfica loanee has more tricks up his sleeve for the club he’s grown to love.

Read more: Christopher Jullien not expected to be available for Celtic until late November