‘He’s shown his level since he’s come back in,’ Rodgers praises Jota | OneFootball

‘He’s shown his level since he’s come back in,’ Rodgers praises Jota | OneFootball

Icon: The Celtic Star

The Celtic Star

·16 February 2025

‘He’s shown his level since he’s come back in,’ Rodgers praises Jota

Article image:‘He’s shown his level since he’s come back in,’ Rodgers praises Jota

Brendan Rodgers revealed Jota is in contention of starting Celtic’s Champions League knockout playoff second leg against Bayern Munich on Tuesday evening…

Article image:‘He’s shown his level since he’s come back in,’ Rodgers praises Jota

Jota of Celtic scores the second goal during the Premiership match between Celtic and Dundee United at Celtic Park on February 15, 2025. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

The Portuguese fans favourite netted in Celtic’s routine 3-0 victory over Dundee United yesterday afternoon. Brendan Rodgers’ side extended their significant lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership table to 16 points.


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Jota has now notched up two goals and one assist

Jota has now notched up two goals and one assist in five matches since returning to Celtic last month from Ligue 1 side Rennes.

The 25 year-old alongside fellow January transfer signing Jeffery Schlupp was added to Celtic’s Champions League squad and both featured in the Hoops’ narrow 2-1 defeat at the hands of Bayern on Wednesday night.

Article image:‘He’s shown his level since he’s come back in,’ Rodgers praises Jota

Jota of Celtic celebrates after scoring his team’s second goal during the Premiership match between Celtic and Dundee United at Celtic Park on February 15, 2025. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

‘He’s shown his level since he’s come back in’

Questioned on whether Rodgers may find a space for Jota in his starting XI in Bavaria, the Irishman responded: “He may do. He’s shown his level since he’s come back in, it’s just a fitness thing really. That’s why we’re managing him through those moments, so today was another chance for him to get some minutes.”

“I thought him and Jeff (Schlupp) combined really well on that side, so he’s getting there.”

Article image:‘He’s shown his level since he’s come back in,’ Rodgers praises Jota

Jota of Celtic celebrates after scoring his team’s second goal during the Premiership match between Celtic and Dundee United at Celtic Park on February 15, 2025. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

When speaking to The Celtic Star last week, Rodgers emphasised Jota still has levels to go before he reaches his physical peak, but regardless, has the ability to make an impact for Celtic due to his technical skill.

Next up the Allianz Arena

Meanwhile, focus shifts to Celtic’s toughest assignment of the season looming next week. The Scottish champions will have to beat Bayern on their home turf if they want to progress through to the last 16 of Europe’s elite club competition.

Article image:‘He’s shown his level since he’s come back in,’ Rodgers praises Jota

Jota of Celtic celebrates after scoring his team’s second goal during the Premiership match between Celtic and Dundee United at Celtic Park on February 15, 2025. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Speaking to Celtic TV post-match, Brendan Rodgers said: “We get back in, recover tomorrow and prepare now. It’s a really exciting game for us on Tuesday and we go in with a good feeling.”

Conor Spence

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