So Gavin Strachan has tried to explain Chris Jullien heading to Dubai to the Celtic supporters.
The Celtic supporters and Chris Sutton were left absolutely fuming with this yesterday. Given that Jullien was in Dubai and picked up Covid, he had a host of close contacts that needed to be listed from the playing squad. It had a direct effect on last night’s 1-1 draw with Hibernian at Parkhead.
Indeed, Celtic were missing the likes of Kristoffer Ajer, Ryan Christie, Leigh Griffiths, and Odsonne Edouard. It made last night’s game more complicated, and in the end, we only managed a point.
Many have questioned why Jullien was even in Dubai given he’s injured for several months. This doesn’t add up given Neil Lennon explained that the reason for going to the UAE was to carry out some intense training. Chris Sutton was left fuming in particular, posting a video on social media outlining his own anger.
Strachan has moved to explain why the Frenchman took the trip. It’s fair to say it doesn’t add up.
As quoted by the Scottish Sun, Strachan said: “It was to maintain his treatment with the backroom staff, he went over there so we can get him back as fast as we can.”
Strachan gave it a go, but Jullien excuse can’t wash with Celtic fans
Fair play to the first team coach for giving it a go. He’s been put in a horrible situation there and it’s clear he would rather be answering anything else. You can tell as much with his response alone.
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For it makes absolutely no sense. This doesn’t explain why the Frenchman went with the club whatsoever. So that he can “maintain his treatment” with the backroom staff? What?
Is it absolutely impossible for Jullien to be able to carry out his recovery programme in Glasgow? Couldn’t Celtic have left some medical staff back home or hired an expert to oversee Jullien’s progress for the week if necessary?
The fact is that Celtic were allowed to go to Dubai to train for their second half of the season. That’s the only reason sportsmen are allowed to leave the country on training camps. That isn’t what Jullien was doing over in the UAE.
The excuse given was probably as good a one as Celtic could’ve come up with. It wouldn’t surprised you if Strachan was well warned of that question in advance by the club and told what to say. Even so, it doesn’t wash and certainly doesn’t fall under essential.
But hey ho, Celtic have been woeful on and off the park all season. Why change now eh?