Good News:  Jota at Rennes: The Struggles Behind His Move and What Celtic Fans Can Expect from Their Former Hero

Good News:  Jota at Rennes: The Struggles Behind His Move and What Celtic Fans Can Expect from Their Former Hero

Jota at Rennes: What Went Wrong and What Celtic Can Expect from Former Cult Hero

Jota, one of the most beloved figures of recent years at Celtic Park, was an instrumental part of the team’s success in the 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 seasons, with his flair, skill, and consistency earning him cult hero status among the Celtic faithful. His dynamic presence on the wing contributed greatly to Celtic’s Scottish Premiership triumphs, as well as their impressive run in European competitions. However, following his departure to Ligue 1 club Rennes in the summer of 2023, the Portuguese winger’s time in France has been under close scrutiny, with questions raised about why his move didn’t go as smoothly as anticipated.

This report delves into what went wrong for Jota at Rennes, the circumstances surrounding his departure from Celtic, and what the club and fans can expect from their former star if he ever returns to Scotland. We also explore what the future holds for the winger and how his career might evolve after his spell in France.

Jota’s Iconic Time at Celtic: A Brief Recap

Before diving into his challenges at Rennes, it’s essential to reflect on Jota’s remarkable time at Celtic. The Portuguese winger arrived on loan from Benfica in 2021, and it didn’t take long for him to make a significant impact. His dazzling dribbles, intelligent runs, and pinpoint deliveries made him an immediate fan favorite. By the time Celtic made his transfer permanent in 2022, Jota had already established himself as one of the most influential players in the squad.

Jota’s importance to Celtic’s style of play was evident. Under Ange Postecoglou’s high-pressing, attacking philosophy, the winger’s creativity and flair allowed him to be a constant threat in both domestic and European competitions. His performances in the Scottish Premiership, where he scored crucial goals and assisted numerous others, helped Celtic dominate domestically. On the European stage, Jota’s contribution was also significant, with memorable moments in the UEFA Champions League and the Europa League.

However, despite his undeniable talent, the summer of 2023 marked a shift in Jota’s career, as he decided to pursue a move to Rennes in France’s Ligue 1.

The Move to Rennes: Expectations and Realities

In the summer of 2023, Jota’s departure from Celtic raised eyebrows. Many fans and pundits were surprised by his decision to leave a club where he was adored, particularly after Celtic had just secured another Scottish Premiership title. The move to Rennes, a club situated in the mid-to-upper echelons of Ligue 1, seemed like a step forward for Jota. Ligue 1 offered a higher level of competition, and the move was seen as a natural progression for a player who had already proved his worth at Celtic.

At the time, there were high expectations for Jota in France. Rennes, known for their strong scouting network and competitive squad, was an exciting destination for the Portuguese winger. The club had just finished 4th in Ligue 1 the previous season, securing a place in the UEFA Europa League, and their ambitions seemed aligned with Jota’s desire for more European football and an opportunity to showcase his talents on a bigger stage.

However, despite these promising prospects, Jota’s time at Rennes hasn’t gone according to plan.

Limited Impact in Ligue 1

Jota’s early days at Rennes were far from the fairy tale that many had hoped for. While he was initially viewed as a marquee signing who could strengthen the team’s attacking options, the winger struggled to replicate the form that made him a star at Celtic. Under Rennes’ head coach, Bruno Génésio, Jota found himself in a highly competitive squad, with other attacking players vying for the same positions.

Rennes already had established players in key attacking roles, such as Martin Terrier, Arnaud Kalimuendo, and Amine Gouiri, who all contributed significantly to the team’s attacking output. This meant that Jota had to fight for regular minutes in a crowded forward line, and he found himself often coming off the bench or playing in a more restrained role than what he had grown accustomed to at Celtic.

While Jota still displayed glimpses of his flair and creativity, his performances were inconsistent. Rennes, known for their solid but pragmatic style of play, did not allow the freedom that Jota had enjoyed under Ange Postecoglou’s more open, attacking system at Celtic. As a result, the Portuguese winger struggled to assert himself as a key player in the way he had done in Glasgow. His goal contributions and overall influence on the pitch were noticeably reduced.

A Difficult Tactical Fit

Another key issue for Jota at Rennes has been the tactical setup. Under Bruno Génésio, Rennes have often favored a more structured approach, with an emphasis on solid defense and quick counter-attacks. This style of play does not always suit Jota’s natural strengths, which revolve around his dribbling, creativity, and ability to take on defenders in 1v1 situations. At Celtic, he thrived in an attacking system where the full-backs pushed high up the pitch and there was always an emphasis on creating overloads in wide areas. Rennes, however, did not provide the same tactical freedom, which in turn has limited Jota’s ability to fully express himself.

Additionally, Rennes’ need for a more balanced team performance meant that Jota was sometimes tasked with doing more defensive work than he had been used to. This extra responsibility, combined with his adjustment to a new league, appeared to affect his overall performance. With Rennes competing in both Ligue 1 and European competitions, Jota’s role was somewhat limited to a more supplementary one, rather than the star player status he had enjoyed at Celtic.

Injury Setbacks

Like many players adjusting to a new environment, Jota has also faced injury setbacks that have hampered his ability to settle in at Rennes. Injuries are a common challenge when making a high-profile move to a new league, and Jota was no exception. Although the specifics of his injuries have not been fully disclosed, it is believed that minor fitness issues have contributed to his inability to fully hit the ground running in France.

These injuries also led to spells of inconsistency, as Jota struggled to maintain a consistent run of form. With the high level of competition in Ligue 1 and the pressure to perform, these setbacks have only further complicated his integration into the Rennes squad.

What Celtic Can Expect from Jota in the Future

Now that Jota has had time to adjust to life in France, it remains to be seen whether he can turn things around at Rennes. However, his future at the club is uncertain. With speculation around his potential return to Celtic or a move to another club, there are several things that Celtic fans can expect should Jota ever return to Glasgow.

A Proven Talent Ready to Make an Impact

Despite his struggles in France, it is important to remember that Jota is a player of immense talent. His time at Celtic demonstrated his ability to influence big matches, contribute goals, and create chances for his teammates. Should Jota return to Celtic, he would bring with him that same potential to make an immediate impact, provided he can regain the confidence and form he showed during his time in Scotland.

Celtic fans can expect a player who knows the club, understands its culture, and is capable of thrilling them with his flair. Jota has a natural connection with the Celtic faithful, and his return would likely be met with a warm reception. Additionally, with Brendan Rodgers now back in charge, Jota could potentially benefit from a more structured system that would suit his strengths.

A More Mature and Tactical Player

One of the positive aspects of Jota’s time in France is that he has been exposed to a different style of football, one that emphasizes tactical discipline and defensive responsibility. While he may have found this transition difficult, these experiences could ultimately make him a more well-rounded player. If Jota returns to Celtic, he may have improved his understanding of the tactical side of the game, which would make him a more complete asset for the team.

Potential Competition for Places

Another consideration for Jota’s potential return is the level of competition for places in Celtic’s attack. With the likes of Kyogo Furuhashi, Daizen Maeda, and Liel Abada all vying for positions in the starting lineup, Jota would need to fight for his place in a dynamic and competitive squad. His ability to adapt to Rodgers’ style and contribute to the team’s overall success would be crucial to regaining a spot in the starting XI.

Conclusion: Jota’s Future and What Celtic Can Expect

Jota’s move to Rennes hasn’t gone as smoothly as expected, but that doesn’t diminish his talent or potential. If he ever makes a return to Celtic, he will be bringing back a player with a wealth of experience from his time in Ligue 1 and a desire to rediscover the form that made him a fan favorite at Celtic Park. While his time at Rennes has been challenging, Celtic fans can rest assured that Jota is still a player with the ability to make a significant impact. Whether he returns to Celtic or moves on to another challenge, the next steps in his career will be crucial in determining just how high his potential can rise.