Juranovic speaks on Celtic ambitions and what Ange said to bring him to Glasgow

By Euan Davidson

March 23, 2022

Josip Juranovic; every Celtic fan surely loves him.

Honest, forthright, occasionally very funny and most importantly, a quality player, Juranovic has been a real highlight of this season. Whether on the left or the right, he’s been dynamite.

Not just for Celtic, either. The cheeky full-back continues to amass caps for Croatia, having caught the eye when he played for his country against Scotland at Euro 2020.

Now, though, as he returns to the Croatian national team during the international break, the lovable defender has been asked about his ambitions at Celtic. Not only that, he’s shared what it took for Ange Postecoglou to convince him of a move to Glasgow.

Via Croatian outlet Dalmacija Danas, Juranovic said: “Honestly, when I arrived in Glasgow I was a little skeptical, especially since the team won nothing last season. 

“However… [Ange] approached me and said, “This is [a] new Celtic, I want you in it.” 

“He automatically brought a smile to my face, and since then [it has not left] my face. It paid off, we are first in the league table with three points more than Glasgow Rangers. Upon [Croatia’s] return from Doha, a big derby awaits us immediately, we are offered the opportunity to separate by six points. 

“So, everything is in our hands. The city is great, the audience even better, the teammates amazing. I can’t wait to lift the [league] trophy with Celtic.”

Josip Juranovic has the right idea for the rest of his debut Celtic season

Being honest, have we had a right-back as consistently good as Juranovic since Mikael Lustig?

Jeremie Frimpong looked promising, but in his second season with Celtic, the whole defence struggled. His progression for Bayer Leverkusen speaks for itself. In terms of regular, week-in, week-out quality though? It’s hard to argue Juranovic hasn’t been fantastic, on a consistent basis.

Of course, you have to be, to win titles. It sounds as if Juranovic can’t wait to be back with Celtic, taking on Rangers at Ibrox. He’s consistent, sure, but he’s even better when the pressure is ramped up.

Surely, Juranovic will be relishing the challenge of keeping Ryan Kent laughably quiet again. This time, though, it’ll be at Ibrox.

As for the insight on his conversation with Ange? Well, it goes to show what a charismatic manager can get you. Juranovic had just won a league title with Legia Warsaw, and impressed at Euro 2020. There had to be interest in him. Meanwhile, Celtic needed a right-back with positional flexibility, who can whip a ball in.

Everyone succeeded in that situation.

Eyes will be on how Juranovic gets on with Croatia, but if these caps are anything like the others, he’ll be his reliable, sparky self.

Read more: Report: Irish youngster who trained with Celtic set to complete Liverpool move