Christopher Jullien has stated his doubt that anyone would want to leave Celtic given the position they are in at the moment. The French defender signed from Toulouse in a £7 million deal and is sure that Kennedy has the qualities of a manager, but is needed at Celtic.
Speaking to BBC Scotland, Jullien was confident that Kennedy’s longterm association with Celtic would be enough to dismiss the alleged interest from Hibs.
“He’s in a good place, we are in a good place,”
“Who would leave Celtic? I’m in love with the club and I’m sure that he loves the place.”
“I’m sure he has it. I know he has all the qualities to be a good trainer for sure. He’s helped me and he’s helped Celtic.”
Kennedy was 26 when a knee injury forced his early retirement and has since then worked as a scout and youth coach before Ronny Deila’s era allowed him the opportunity to become a first team coach. When the likeable Norwegian left, Kennedy was retained during Brendan Rodgers’ sweeping changes in personnel. It is testament to Kennedy, 36, that Rodgers tried to bait him down to Leicester; although Kennedy rejected this opportunity to become Neil Lennon’s assistant.
“Since I arrived, he’s been really good with me,” he said. “He’s tried to advise me on everything that I can do on the field. Having him on my side every day is really, really enjoyable.
“He’s given me some advice on defending, on scoring, on everything; the whole role that I have on the pitch.
“You can’t ask for any more when you first arrive at a club; that someone is there for you and can tell you what you did well, what you did badly.
“Every time I have a problem or something like that on the field, or something I don’t understand, I call out to him and he answers me so quickly and that’s the thing I love about him.”
Kennedy has adopted a more tactical role than he did under Rodgers since being promoted to Assistant Manager in February. He is often seen prowling the touchline giving the players instructions.
Celtic will be eager to retain such an integral part of their operation at a crucial time of the season; especially when Neil Lennon – who knows all about Hibs – will be on hand to let him know what Easter Road is really like.
