Ange Postecoglou delivers class response to journalist's Jota Celtic stay question

By John McGinley

October 24, 2021

Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou believes Jota has every reason to stay at the club beyond his season-long loan from Benfica, but is in no rush to conclude the deal.

The Bhoys have an option to buy the impressive winger, who has already become a fan favourite at the club.

He’s building a sensational partnership with others in the team, including Kyogo, who he delivered a world-class pass to on Tuesday in the UEFA Europa League.

There’s a hype about his long-term future in Glasgow and Ange doesn’t see why he wouldn’t want to commit to the club.

Speaking to The Sunday Mail after the win against St Johnstone [24/10 print edition, page 60], the Bhoys boss said: “With Jota and the details of the loan deal, there is an option there for us. He loves playing at this club, in front of 55,000 at Celtic Park and the challenges that come with that.

“The decision on his future, there’s no rush with it. Firstly, it’s about the priorities for the club and then the player. This was an important move for him. He’d already had a loan in Spain that didn’t really work out.

“Why wouldn’t he want to stay? He’s running out in front of 55,000 people, scoring goals, putting on worldie assists, so he should be feeling pretty good about life.

“He had a tough time in Spain so he understands he’s in a good place now.”

With three goals and four assists in 10 appearances, Jota has certainly announced himself to the Celtic faithful in a positive way.

However, the manager is right not to rush into verdicts on his permanent signing. There’s a long way to go between now and the end of the season.

The Portuguese talent has to show this kind of skill and contribution over a long period and find the consistency to push Celtic towards regular wins.

The signs are good, but he still has levels to move through before the club commits to millions of pounds on his signature.

In other news, Giorgos Giakoumakis explains why it was a no-brainer to choose signing for Celtic.