Celtic star Jota has once again underlined his preference to play on the left wing but insists he is happy to adapt for the benefit of the team.
The Portuguese winger, who returned to the runaway Scottish Premiership leaders for a second spell during the winter transfer window, also praised Daizen Maeda’s versatility, with the Japanese forward excelling as a lone striker in recent months after initially being deployed as a winger upon his arrival in 2022.
Jota addressed his positioning during a press conference ahead of Celtic’s trip to face St Johnstone at McDiarmid Park on Sunday, reaffirming his long-standing stance while acknowledging the need for tactical flexibility.
“Personally, I've always said that I prefer to play on the left,” Jota admitted. “But in the end, I think it's up to the gaffer to decide what is the best for the team. And if he wants me to perform in another part of the pitch, then I need to be able to do that in order for the team to be successful.
"Obviously, personally, I prefer on the left, but games are always different and they call for different things, so you never know.”
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Jota’s ability to operate across the frontline has been an asset for Celtic, but his words suggest his most natural and favoured role remains cutting in from the left side, where he can unleash his trademark dribbling and creativity.
The 26-year-old also took time to highlight the impact of teammate Maeda, who has flourished in a more central role in recent months.
The Japanese international, primarily used on the left-flank since joining Celtic under Ange Postecoglou, has excelled when operating as a central striker and was recently named Premiership Player of the Month for the second consecutive month.
“I mean, I think Daizen played as a striker when he was in Japan before,” Jota said. “So when Ange [Postecoglou] brought him to Celtic, I think he came as a striker, and then he kind of adapted to winger.
"As I said before, the game and our structure is made for us to be successful and do our best things, and I think that's exactly what they did; both Kyogo and Daizen. I think in the end, it's Celtic who benefits from anything.”
Maeda’s tireless work rate and pressing ability have made him a valuable asset across multiple positions, and his recent exploits through the middle have provided Rodgers with an extra option in attack as Celtic push for another league title.
With the Hoops facing a crucial period in their title defence, the tactical adaptability of both Jota and Maeda could prove vital as Rodgers looks to maximise his squad’s strengths heading into the business end of the season.
