Jota’s attitude is spot on as
Jota has long-term hopes for his own career. But the Portuguese winger is smart enough to know they depend on what happens at Celtic this season.
There’s rarely the chance to look too far ahead when you’re at one of the Old Firm clubs.
It’s all about the here and now – and they don’t say that Celtic and Rangers are never more than two defeats away from a crisis for nothing.
But Parkhead boss Ange Postecoglou took advantage of the international break to plan for the future.
He discussed the January transfer window, looked at the club’s scouting network and spent time with newlyappointed head of sports science, Anton Mcelhone.
Being there to see his ideas come to fruition will depend on him getting it right on the pitch.
If Jota’s attitude rubs off on his teammates, there shouldn’t be any problem with that.
The 22-year-old says he’s inspired by the dedication of fellow countryman, Cristiano Ronaldo, and his determination to win.
“He has been an idol during the last decade,” Jota admitted.
“I looked at him a few times, and took notice of the things he did, like his work ethic and the way he plays on the pitch.
“He’s someone to look out for, and to believe in his ideas about football.
“It not easy to make the national team in Portugal. It is very competitive to get into the top squad.
“I just have to be proud that my country has so many good players. I’m always cheering for them.
“Getting a call from Portugal isn’t a
thing I think about at the moment. It’s more important to deliver game after game, and help get good results for my club. “Then everything will come in time. “Throughout my career, I have tried to be with my team-mates, and help them as much as I can.
“It’s always in my mind that we have to fight for the team.
“And one like Celtic has a responsibility to aim to win every game.
“We know the fans want us to deliver results, and I think that’s a good pressure to have.”
His manager believes the on-loan Benfica man can benefit from regular action.
Jota made 35 appearances over the last two years, but 28 of them were as a substitute. Last season he was on loan at
Real Valladolid in Spain.
He’s relishing the chance to start every week.
He went on: “I don’t want to stop where I am now with my performances.
“I think I still have a lot to bring to my game,andcanstilldevelopasaplayer. “I’m working hard every day, being humble and staying close to my teammates and the staff.
“I’m aiming to be the best version of myself that I can be.”
Celtic are back in Europa League action on Tuesday afternoon when they take on Ferencvaros at Parkhead.
The 3.30pm kick-off time is unusual, but Jota maintains the players won’t be fazed by that. He said: “We are ready to play in the morning, the afternoon or the evening.
“Just put us on the pitch, and we will do our thing. It doesn’t matter about the time.
“We were disappointed to lose the first two Europa League matches, and we really want to deliver a victory at home in front of our fans.”
Boss Postecoglou (inset left) admits success in the double-header against Ferencvaros is crucial for Celtic.
He said: “It is absolutely pivotal. “The results weren’t great in the first two Europa games, although I thought our performance against Real Betis was such that we could have got something.
“Against Leverkusen, we had some really bright moments. But, again, we let ourselves down in big moments and paid aprice.
“It’s left us with the clear objective for Tuesday, in particular that we have got to winthegameifwearegoingtostayalive in the group.
“Ferencvaros will be looking at it in the same light, so it should be a cracking game.”