Ange Postecoglou's glowing tribute to Josip Juranovic as Croatian exits Celtic Park

By John McGinley

January 22, 2023

Ange Postecoglou has lauded Josip Juranovic for his contribution to Celtic during his time at the club, speaking on the weekend the Croatian confirmed his exit to Union Berlin.

The Bhoys have sold the right-back to the third-placed Bundesliga side for a reported £7.5m fee, potentially rising to £10m. It’s the first major exit of a Postecoglou signing at the club.

Juranovic’s spell can be seen as a success for everyone involved and the manager was keen to highlight that, speaking in a post-match media conference on Saturday.

He said: “I think he’s been fantastic, I’ve loved working with Josip. He’s been a really popular member of the dressing room. He’s been a key contributor last year to what was a very, very important season, in the context of what had happened the season before.

“The fact we had to rebuild the team and get back to where we wanted to be in terms of champions, he was a key component of that.

“With all of the lads, I’m constantly in dialogue with them about themselves and their careers and people have to appreciate Josip is 27 years old but hasn’t really got to the highest level until late in his career.

“I think he just wants to maximise his opportunities. To be honest, I agree with him. That’s what all of us have in our careers, a limited time and we want to take opportunities.

“He leaves here as a fantastic player and as somebody who contributed to what was a really important season for us. I certainly wish him well and I hope he goes over there and kills it. He’s very well respected within our dressing room and will be missed, but that is the nature of football.”

Postecoglou and the club have clearly been planning this move for a while, or one like it. The swift signing of Alistair Johnston signalled that more than a month ago.

Juranovic is rightly in control of his own career and has been respectful of the club’s position in seeking the right transfer fee at the right time, giving his all in the shirt until his last game.

This is how Celtic business should be done.

In other news, Celtic Scottish Cup draw; time and broadcast details.