Moritz Jenz spoke to the fan media this afternoon and I had the distinct privilege of asking him two questions on behalf of The Celtic Star. After his stint in with the mainstream media and newspaper men, the giant centre-back sat and answered a host of questions from Celtic supporters, of which all were varied and interesting. He was inevitably asked about his relationship with Matt O’Riley more than once though, and he couldn’t help smiling with an added laugh thrown in.
Jenz’s profile is ideal for a central defender in the modern game; tall, strong and athletic, the former Lorient man could just be an ideal fit for Ange Postecoglou and his team. Claiming to be just as comfortable on either foot, we might just have landed ourselves another transfer market gem. It is very early stages and of course we have yet to see Moritz play, but the good vibrations could be felt as soon as the big man entered the room and then spoke.
A character that doesn’t seem to be in the mould of your typical footballer, Moritz Jenz comes across erudite, introspective and genuinely interesting. The type of chap you wouldn’t mind sitting gabbing with over a pint dare I say. I doubt however, Ange would be too appreciative of me saying that! During the media conference you began to have the realisation that there is a common thread or a motif so to speak, about every player the Greek-Aussie has signed. They all seem to be cut from the same cloth – team players first and foremost and with genuine strong moral fibre.
Nothing has evidenced this more with our German defender than his revelation that he is a passionate advocate for marine conservation and the environment more generally. Quite the sea-change – pun intended! – one could argue from days gone by when footballers were all about fast cars, nightclub’s and women. However, that is not to say that the modern game isn’t completely without it’s own rebels in one way or another. You only have to look at the behaviour of Cristiano Ronaldo presently to work that out.
Being talented doesn’t earn you the god given right to be treated differently from your peers. Yes, undoubtedly there are levels in this game as there is in just about every sport. But you get the feeling Ange views it as a blessing that carries with it certain responsibility every day, in how you conduct yourself both on and off the field of play. Moritz Jenz appears to be another character that represents the values and ethos that our manager is looking for as he tries to build a team for sustainable success, both at home and abroad.
Today I have to admit I was caught cold and fluffed my lines ever so slightly after a mild distraction and mix-up as to the questions being finished! However, I did manage to recover and asked him the following:
“Do you feel you are a man with a point to prove after your time in France?”
Moritz replied: “Yes. I have a point to prove. Obviously I didn’t get as much game time in France as I expected. You know the start was very good for me. But then at the end, it didn’t turn out as expected. So hopefully I can have a fantastic season and work as hard as possible.”
My second question was in relation to whether or not he thought that this Celtic side could reach another European Final after our rival’s did last year:
“A Scottish team got to a European Final last year, do you think this club could achieve such a feat?”
His answer was impressively defiant and short, much to mine and everyone else in the room’s delight. He asserted: “Of course. Of course. Why not? Why not? We can go for it, no? You can always go for trophies eh? It’s always possible you know; every outcome is possible.”
In that moment I think we all knew that we were looking straight into the eyes of a man who has a point to prove at this stage in his career. His early promise at Fulham and then subsequent success in Switzerland with FC Lausanne-Sport have been counterbalanced by his disappointing spell in Ligue 1. I think this is what drives him on from an outsider looking in. His character certainly chimes with that of his double act signing Aaron Mooy, who like Joe Hart and others within the current group have a bone to pick or a point to prove their worthiness at the top echelons of the game.
Today was another wonderful opportunity to delve into the psyche and make-up of one of our first-team players. Going by Moritz Jenz’s personality and view of where he is currently and where he wants to be, is a fascinating window into the blueprint in which Ange Postecoglou has set the foundations of in his first year in charge – and the possibilities that lie ahead in his second term. Talks today of trophies and European final’s has fanned the flames of desire within this fan for the new campaign starting against Aberdeen next week.
Norwich lie in wait tomorrow afternoon first though, and we may even get a chance to see our new defensive powerhouse in action after he declared that he is ready to go if called upon. It should be a great test just before we finally start our new competitive fixture list on 31 July. The excitement is becoming unbearable at this stage and everybody is desperate to see the new bhoy’s in action too.
A final word has to go once again to our Editor, David. It has been quite the experience of late being able to attend the mixed media conference of both Jota and now Moritz Jenz. I will be eternally grateful for the opportunity of a lifetime and hope I have done him and The Celtic Star proud.
In the meantime, Willkommen, Moritz!
Paul Gillespie
