Ange Postecoglou had little to offer in the way of an update on the future’s of Cameron Carter-Vickers and Jota.
Celtic have no significant players out of contract at the end of this season but that duo are scheduled to return to Spurs and Benfica.
It is believed that loan deals came with clauses to make the moves permanent but either deal will require a very significant fee and an equal commitment in terms of wages.
Ultimately any decision will be upto the individual player. They might see Celtic as their short term future or an interesting season on their CV to bolster their prospects elsewhere.
Postecoglou has been pragmatic since day one. He won’t be arm-twisting or pleading with players to stay at the club but if they do they will have his complete backing and support as he looks to rebuild Celtic into more than a club that shares the domestic honours.
Speaking to The Scotsman about the loan duo, the Celtic boss said:
If I say we’re closer, it’s as if something’s happened. Those discussions will be taking place over the course of the next period. Michael [Nicholson, chief executive] is at the forefront of that with the players themselves. It will take care of itself.
Experiences like Wednesday will help but we all live in a romanticised version of life but it usually comes down to what drives the individual. These things are great but then finances come into it, other factors can influence the decision.
I’m not going to try and convince anyone to stay. If you don’t understand how special it is to be a part of this place, nothing I’m going to say will change that.
I know Cam and Jota love representing this football club and what it’s all about. They’re contributing right now and that’s all I need to see.
They’re enjoying it. But it could be others. People are talking about new signings but we might lose a couple because we’re going so well.
That’s part of football. I won’t lose so much sleep over it. While they’re under my charge, I’ll just get them to be the best they can be.
When fit and available Jota and Carter-Vickers have always been selected, with the title on the line Postecoglou won’t allow any contract diversions to take his focus away from delivering the trophy that the club desires most.
Really need to sign CCV he is quality, not the biggest CB but he is a massive part of where we are just as the attacking players are.
Both Carter-Vickers and Jota have been rock solid and a pleasure to have and hopefully the board make serious efforts to sign both permanently.
But Ange has shown real knowledge in signing players who are successful and Celtic must have alternative options if the worst happens.
We replaced Edouard, Ajer and Christie and they are now not even missed. Mehdi Ghayedi, a left winger is being looked at and there are plenty more, though I stress I hope both stay. HH!
If we can win this leauge both players can look to champions leauge football next season and celtic banking a nice cheque and if both players want to sign and agree terms and depends at present we are doing very well long may it continue again 3 points today and a very good performance plus 4 goals all good well done ange and the boys.
No player bigger than the club but what a romance hail hail