Brendan Rodgers is a man whose expertise will have rubbed off on many Celtic players over the years due to his class in the dugout.
The Irishman is into his second spell at Parkhead and has plans to claim a tenth major honour as Hoops boss against Rangers this weekend in the Premier Sports Cup final.
During the week, Celtic kept their Champions League hopes alive by drawing in Zagreb. Albeit the performance at Maksimir Stadium wasn’t pretty, it certified that the Scottish top-flight holders extended their unbeaten run to four matches in Europe’s premier competition.
With the match not producing many talking points, some Celtic fans may not have been aware that former defender Jozo Simunovic is now working with Dinamo as an assistant for their Under-19 side.
Now, he has opened up on his lasting connection with the Bhoys and aspirations to enter the dugout in a managerial sense.
Jozo Simunovic keeps contact with Celtic coaching staff
Speaking after Tuesday night’s stalemate, Simunovic revealed he keeps regular contact with Brendan Rodgers and John Kennedy and spend time with the latter in the morning before Celtic took on Zagreb.
He stated [Daily Record]: “One day, yes. I had good coaches, so I could learn a lot. That gives me hope (that I can be a manager).”
“Yes, always. Every time, we speak together, spending time. He’s been great for me personally and for the team (Rodgers).
“John is a top, top guy, so every time when I come over, or in this case he came here, we have a chat and it is good to spend time with the guys.”
Jozo Simunovic was a solid asset for Celtic
While his time at Parkhead was mired by injuries, Simunovic became a Celtic centurion with 126 appearances to his name, registering five goals and three assists.
Intriguingly, he only added HNK Gorica to his list of clubs after departing in 2020 before taking the step into coaching at his boyhood side Dinamo Zagreb.
Hopefully, Simunovic can enjoy a fruitful career in management. He is always someone that will be well-received by Celtic supporters.
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