Ange Postecoglou fully explains Moritz Jenz's Celtic exit

By John McGinley

January 27, 2023

Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou has provided some context to the decision that resulted in Moritz Jenz’s exit from the club this month.

Jenz only arrived at the Bhoys in the summer transfer window but his loan was cut short a few days ago, allowing the defender to sign for German side Schalke 04.

The centre-back played 19 times for Celtic in the first half of the season so his departure came as something of a surprise, but Postecoglou gave his reasons in a media conference this afternoon.

The Celtic manager said [Celtic YouTube]: “We brought him in at the beginning of the year when we thought we needed some extra cover in the centre-back area. That proved to be correct because at different times both Carl Starfelt and Cameron Carter-Vickers were out for significant game time.

“Having a guy who was experienced coming in, I thought he helped us, I thought he did well for us. At the same time, there’s always in the back of your mind, is he going to get the opportunities to continue to play and are we likely to commit to him at the end of the year?

“I was keen to bring Yuki Kobayashi in as a left-sided centre-back and that came to fruition. It came to a discussion about what was best for Moritz in his position. After discussing it with him, I thought his best opportunity to continue his career and the trajectory it has was to see if there were any opportunities elsewhere. He’s found one which is great for him.

“I thought he developed well with us this year. He hadn’t played a lot in France. He got significant game time with us for six months here, including the Champions League. I think he’s enjoyed his time here. He’s developed in the right way and contributed to us in the first six months.”

Given there had been no real official word from the club on this situation, it’s great to hear an in-depth explanation from the manager.

Ultimately it sounds as though Jenz’s time at Celtic worked out well for all concerned. The Bhoys got the cover they needed, Jenz got the chance to shine and win a big move and Postecoglou has moved on to prioritise other defenders.

Hopefully, the defender goes in to impress in Germany. No Celtic fan would begrudge him that given the instant impression he made in Glasgow.

All the best Moritz!

In other news, “I lost a bit of hope”; Ange Postecoglou credits Michael Nicholson for Celtic transfer coup.