Real reason Jota was dropped from Celtic starting XI

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·5 March 2025

Real reason Jota was dropped from Celtic starting XI

Jota made his return to Celtic in the winter, when most had not expected it to happen, joining from Rennes on a permanent basis merely half a season after signing with the French Ligue 1 club. Of course, Kyogo Furuhashi headed in the opposite direction. But a month on and it is easy to see who has ended up in the better situation.

The Portuguese winger had failed stints at both Al-Ittihad and Rennes. But he has impressed since returning to Celtic Park.

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Jota already has three goals and an assist to his name for Celtic since making his return. And he has not even established himself as a nailed-on starter in Brendan Rodgers' side.

Jota has made three starts and three appearances off the bench in the league for Celtic this season. In the most recent game against St Mirren, he was left out of he starting XI but did make a positive impact after coming on.

Real reason Jota was dropped from Celtic starting XI

A lot of Celtic fans would like to see Jota start every week. But they have been told why Rodgers is taking things slow. As reported by 67 Hail Hail, Tam McManus said about the Portuguese winger being dropped to the bench against St Mirren on PLZ Soccer:

"I think it’s good management.“When you are a player, you have come in and you have missed a pre-season. You haven’t been playing much. You get put in too early. The fans can judge you instantly. I think, particularly, at a big club like Celtic.“If he had thrown Jota in straight away, then Celtic fans would have thought, ‘he’s not the same player’. You give him time to get his legs back in training and get his sharpness up.“He has plenty of options. He can rotate the team. I think, domestically, Celtic have got plenty in hand to go and win games. I think he has managed the players well. When Jota is 100%, he will probably put him back in."

That does make sense. Jota has not played much football over the past 18 months, as he was on the fringes of the squad at both Al-Ittihad and Rennes.

So, it would not be smart to give him starts twice a week, which is the schedule Celtic generally have. At the same time, it is also important keep the entire squad happy. Jota starting every week would mean that Adam Idah would probably have to sit on the bench. But the Irishman has been scoring lately and deserves playing time as well.