"I don't think that's fair"; Greg Taylor defends former Celtic teammates Juranovic and Giakoumakis

By John McGinley

February 11, 2023

Celtic defender Greg Taylor believes former teammates Josip Juranovic and Giorgos Giakoumakis were 100% committed to the club right up until they left for pastures new.

Juranovic made a January move to Bundesliga outfit Union Berlin while Giakoumakis recently completed a switch to Atlanta United.

In a pre-match media conference, it was asked of Taylor if their departures were a sign that those who aren’t buying into what Ange Postecoglou wants will be shifted out the door.

The defender responded [Celtic YouTube]: “I don’t think that’s fair to say. Jura and Giako were massive contributors to us. They were definitely 100% all in. They wanted to try a different challenge and that’s fair enough – that’s a player’s preference.

“In terms of being 100% committed – every player in that changing room and in that building are that, for this club.”

Then asked about their replacements, Taylor added: “It’s nothing to do with me, recruitment. I let the manager and the people above me do that. I just focus on trying to get better every day and learn from the coaching staff. Everyone that’s come into the building has done pretty well so far, so I’m hoping that will continue.”

No hard feelings for Juranovic and Giakoumakis

Juranovic performed well right up until his final Celtic match against St Mirren on January 18th, even playing out of position.

Giakoumakis meanwhile scored in the crucial Scottish League Cup semi-final against Kilmarnock and always looked good for a goal despite limited minutes.

Both players had an important role to play in success over the last 18 months, so you can understand Taylor not exactly being happy with the premise of that question.

There should be no hard feelings now that they’ve moved on – neither player is likely to look back bitterly on their time at the Bhoys either. They were positive relationships for all parties.

In other news, Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou’s media stance explained after Friday absence.