Early Christmas Cheer is something that you won’t find in the Charlie Nicholas column in the Scottish Daily Express today as the former Celtic striker turns his attention, rather bizarrely, towards Jota to express his irritation at among other things, the Portuguese winger’s comments after celebrating that goal against Real Madrid at the start of November when Celtic were losing the match by five goals.
Nicholas reckons that Jota – who scored two of Celtic’s four games in the Champions League this season – didn’t do enough in that competition and he reckon that Ange Postecoglou will have been disappointed with his displays.
“Some pundits and supporters talked him up to star at the Champions League level, but I wasn’t among them,” Nicholas states. “Boss Ange Postecoglou may even have been slightly disappointed with him, although I accept his injury didn’t help as Celtic crashed out in the group stage.
“He might have scored a late consolation goal in a 5-1 loss to Real Madrid in the Bernabeu. But I didn’t like it when he said it was the best moment of his life. OK, he netted against Real – and I never got that opportunity. Not many people do! And, while I’m all for celebrating goals, it doesn’t really matter when you are five down at the time.
“I would be shocked if Ange hasn’t spoken to Jota about what he expects from him at Celtic. It is OK doing well domestically because that is what he is here for and why the Aussie manager bought him, but you need so much more at the top end in continental competition. I expected Jota to embrace and shine in the Champions League – but it didn’t really happen for him.
“Former Bhoys boss Gordon Strachan and a few pundits said he played really well in the first game against Real Madrid at home as the Spanish side left with a 3-0 victory. I did not as I don’t believe he did enough when he had the ball.
“Celtic must get him to produce more. That is the question mark against him. There is no doubt the potential is there. He has to concentrate on returning to the form he showed in the first couple of months but manage it over a full season.”
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Got to agree Jota does not perform often enough, does a few good things in a game but not consistent enough
But he is great to watch
Charlie being Charlie with an incoherent rant.Nobody cares what you think Chas.