Celtic team-mate reveals reason behind Olivier Ntcham's struggles

Olivier Ntcham was ‘stagnating’ at Celtic and the controversial move to Marseille should revive the Frenchman’s career, according to Parkhead club-mate Christopher Jullien.

Olivier Ntcham, centre, and Christopher Jullien, left-centre, celebrate after beating Rangers in the 2019 League Cup final.

The midfielder joined the Ligue 1 side for the remainder of the season in the January transfer window, a move that rankled with André Villas-Boas, who spectacularly resigned from his role as manager after saying he didn’t want the 25-year-old.

Despite the storm around his switch, Ntcham has been backed by his countryman to make a success of himself in the French top flight.

Jullien reckons Ntcham has been dying for a new challenge after helping Celtic to three consecutive titles in his first three seasons at the club.

He told French publication La Provence: "He had taken a step forward in Glasgow but he was starting to stagnate, because he remains in Scotland. He needed a new challenge. I see him succeeding at OM, he has everything he needs to achieve this.

"This stage will be able to make him grow even more. He has always had the qualities to aim for a major championship like Ligue 1.”

Jullien also added that he would sometimes become frustrated with Ntcham in training due to their differing methods of how to improve away from the matchday.

He continued: "He wants to play everywhere, to bring his technical touch.

"Sometimes, in training, he gave me problems because I wanted to win and he just wanted to play.

"He was our technical leader. He was never a guy who spoke a lot, but a leader in the field by his actions and his technical touch."

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