Jota catching Celtic feels will make him even BETTER as Brendan Rodgers tells him he's a lucky boy
Brendan Rodgers knows Jota was a superstar at Celtic first time around – and he’s convinced the attacker will be even better this time.
The Hoops boss was delighted to see the winger make the most of his big moment on his return to the club. Jota found the net at Fir Park on his second coming and ended up in tears as he celebrated with the Celtic support. It was like 18 months of frustration were immediately lifted and the wide man was back where he belongs.
Rodgers could feel it too. He knows it’s going to take time to get the 25-year-old up to speed after barely kicking a ball in his time away in Saudi Arabia and then France. But it was moments like this at Motherwell that will prove the Portuguese ace made the right call in returning. And it will fuel his desire to hit even greater heights.
Rodgers said: “It's all about the personal ambition. I think that he's had the sample now of two moves that hasn't quite worked out. He also has the feeling of probably a more realistic feeling of the actual size of the club, and what Celtic can give him.
“So, my feeling is that he'll come back even hungrier and be even better than he was the first time. Why? Because he knows what the other side looks like.
“And he probably won't recognise and realise how lucky he is at a club like this here. So yes, he can be, but it's all about the mentality. It's happened so many times, players go and still create and develop their legacy even more. So that's what I expect him to do.”
Jota was blown away by the response from the fans to his return as he rolled out his trademark goal celebration and then led the post match party with his eyes welling up. He said: “It's such a happy moment for me to come back to, for the team to deliver as well. And to celebrate with these amazing fans because they really deserve it.
"Yeah, there's been some difficult moments. Ups and downs. And I just feel like I'm back home and I couldn't be happier than this.
"It has been a long time since I've been playing consecutively and I know it will take time to reach my best levels. But with the amazing staff and teammates, I will work hard every day so I can achieve that as fast as possible."
Rodgers was thrilled by the impact but is certain there is more to come. He said: “He's emotional! The journey that he's been on since being here and then leaving, just not having that feeling.
“It's a really, really difficult club when you come away from it, especially when you're a player like him, when you're adored to that level that he was when he was here the first time. He probably thought he was never going to feel that again.
“So, to come back and get the goal, and obviously the support, they idolise him. Just like for every player, you want to feel wanted, appreciated, and he knows he has that here.
“He knows the training ground is an internal culture which is based around respect. He has that, and obviously the supporters love him.
“Step by step, he needs to get to a level of fitness. But you can see in cameos like that, he's quality. It was a nice moment for him.
"He was a superstar when he was here the first time and it's been a challenge for him, obviously, leaving, but he couldn't have written that any better. He's a wonderful player, he obviously has a way to go in terms of his fitness, but he's someone who can beat a man.
“He doesn't just look like a good player, he is a good player. He can beat a man, he's very effective. Once he gets up to fitness in terms of how I want him to press the game, he's going to be a fantastic player again.”
There’s more to come from Jota but Rodgers was thrilled to see Idah flying again – along with Daizen Maeda. Idah was a real threat throughout against Well – while Maeda notched the fastest goal of the season so far when he pounced after just 49 seconds and then teed up the other two goals.
Rodgers said: “Yes, Daizen had a rest during the week (when suspended for Villa), so he had a bit of running in his legs! He was deserving of his man in the match.
“It’s a good feeling for Adam. He just wants to keep this run going. There's never been any doubt of his ability. He's been here 12 months now. I've always said it's just patience and time and support.
“But to score two goals like he did during the week is a big shot of confidence for him. Because you do it at that level. It's just really making sure that you turn up in all the games. Not just the Champions League games or the finals.
“Our game is based a lot on either combining centrally or down the sides to get crosses in. So for that you have to be between the posts. Really good finishes. His two during the week.
“This one today off his other side. He can do it. I know some doubted it. But we know internally that he can do it.”
