Christopher Jullien has shown how his elite mentality has developed since joining Celtic. The 26-year-old rose above all and headed Celtic ahead against Lazio in the dying embers of the match. It was a crucial goal which could lead to Neil Lennon’s side participating in Europe after Christmas; however, instead of resting on his laurels, Jullien is thinking about how to improve his game.
Since arriving from Toulouse, Jullien’s game has steadily improved and he has formed a partnership with Kris Ajer at the heart of the Celtic defence. A magnificent performance at Ibrox could have been Jullien’s finest in a Celtic jersey, although people will point to the Frenchman scoring the winner versus Simone Inzaghi’s Italians as his best so far.
Speaking to the Evening Times, Jullien expressed his desire to get better. He knows that there were lapses in his game that could have been costly – and that’s what Celtic need. A player that is constantly trying to improve themselves for the team.
“After the game against Lazio there was a lot said about the goal because it was one of the last things in people’s minds. But the two guys I went to see first at full-time were Kris and Fraser.
“I was not happy about my second-half at all. I miss movements of my striker. Kris did great to come back and the striker hit the post. If he hadn’t come back then they could have scored and the game could have been completely different. There was also a moment when I slipped and then Fraser saved us. It could have been a totally different game.”
Manuel Lazzari hit the Celts on the break to give I Biancocelesti the lead before half-time. However, Ryan Christie’s second half goal had the game headed for a draw before Jullien leapt to restore Celtic’s lead at the top of Group E.
“When we finish the game, sometimes the staff and the trainer will say ‘don’t worry, everything’s fine’ – but in my mind I always remember the mistakes and think about how things can be better the next time.
“I’m working every day to be better—to be more efficient with my long balls and my headers. In the last European game I scored, but I should really have had two or three goals. Every day I am working on that and we have good staff behind us to help. I can’t wait to get better for the team and the club.”
Jullien’s distribution from the back has certainly improved as we have seen with key lofted passes versus Hibs at Hampden yesterday, resulting in Celtic goals. The interview highlights Jullien’s elite mentality and how he is intent on bringing his game to a new level. Hopefully this is a reflection of the team as a whole, especially after Celtic reached another cup final yesterday – beating Hibs 5-2.
ALSO ON THE CELTIC STAR AFTER CELTIC’S 5-2 WIN OVER HIBS…
“I’ve had enough now”: This is how it feels to be a Hibs fan after emphatic loss to Celtic
“All I want for Christmas”: These fans urge Celtic to sign Elyounoussi on a permanent basis
Together as one into the #BetfredCup final! 🍀💥 #Bhoys #CelticFC #HibCel pic.twitter.com/0tcZ13pECl
— Jeremie Frimpong (@JeremieFrimpong) November 2, 2019
