Ange Postecoglou shares Josip Juranovic's strong Celtic motivation amid transfer reports

By John McGinley

August 12, 2022

Josip Juranovic has been the subject of the transfer gossip rumour mill in recent days, with various outlets reporting that teams in the English Premier League are interested in his services.

Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou was asked about his progress at the club over the last 12 months, and the Bhoys boss was adamant he is motivated to do well in Glasgow.

Speaking to a press conference which 67 Hail Hail attended, Postecoglou said: “Josip’s fit in really well. He had a strong season for us last year. Like the rest of the group, he’s come back this year looking to be better.

“That’s our job – to make sure we keep improving these guys and challenging them. Josip is one of those players.

“He’s got a big year ahead of him. Obviously, he’s got a World Cup to look forward to as well. I know he’s very, very motivated to do well for this football club. My role is to make sure we keep pushing these guys to be the best they can be.”

Despite gossip surrounding the Croatian all summer, it really doesn’t feel like Juranovic is agitating for a move away.

Postecoglou seems perfectly comfortable with what he’s seeing from the right-back, and he’s a good candidate to start for the third match in a row on Sunday away to Kilmarnock.

There’s always the possibility of a big bid from England or Spain, two touted possible destinations for him recent months, but no-one at Celtic seems that concerned about it all.

Juranovic has a brilliant opportunity to play against Europe’s elite and then almost immediately fly off to the World Cup, alongside the exciting business of a title race.

It doesn’t seem like the right time for him to go through upheaval which is why I’ve always been personally sceptical of a big transfer move this summer.

In other news, Ange Postecoglou addresses John Kennedy Celtic exit speculation.