Jenz told to curb his enthusiasm if he gets on the mark again at Rugby Park
Moritz Jenz has revealed he has been warned to restrain himself should he score again at Kilmarnock today.
Celtic’s German defender enjoyed a dramatic debut at Ross County’s Global Energy Stadium last weekend, netting the Hoops’ second goal in their 3-1 victory.
His decision to run to the club’s fans behind the goal in celebration caused controversy, however. He had already been booked at the time and many – including former referee, Des Roache – argued he should have picked up a second caution for his actions, and therefore been sent off.
With Jenz not having actually gone into the crowd, only approached them, official Don Robertson had discretion, and he opted for leniency.
As the player explained, it has since been stressed to him that he might not always be so lucky.
There will be another noisy away end at Rugby Park today, but it should only be saluted from a distance, and Jenz said: “I have been warned to take care.
“Last week was pure joy, pure emotion when I ran into the crowd. This time, if I have the chance to score a goal, I will be more settled.
“I didn’t think about the consequences because it was pure joy. It was my first game, and I had the adrenaline to play
in front of 4,000 away supporters.
“When the goal happened in front of them, I think anyone would have the same feeling of wanting to jump straight into the crowd to celebrate with our fans. “It is just normal instinct.” The defender is new to the Scottish game, having only recently parachuted in on a season’s loan to Celtic from French club, Lorient
At the same time, he is a quick learner, and he has already picked up that patience is a key quality for players at the club, with Kilmarnock certain to set their stall out to be hard to beat.
“Of course, we expect them to be difficult, to be very defensive and try to hit us on the counter ,” said Jenz. “But we will play our game as always. We will be patient, play attacking football, put a lot of pressure on them and try to take our chances.
“Patience will be so important. We will need it in every game. We will have a lot of the ball, but we must be clinical.”