Not sure how to take the latest comments from Josip Juranovic, although whatever happens Celtic are well placed to benefit. Speaking about the links to Atletico Madrid over the close-season – another story that was a Sky Sports exclusive incidentally – Juranovic is clearly flattered to be linked with the Spanish giants and reckons that Croatian football is in a good place at the minute as he examines the credentials and the transfers being achieved by his international teammates.
Maybe he was thinking about all of this when he allowed Banik Ostrava to open the scoring in the first few minutes after losing his man at the back post. From yesterday’s match report:
Hart could do little about the opener for the Czech side celebrating their centenary when Juranovic was caught at the back post and Sehic headed home to open the scoring.
Here’s what Josip Juranovic has being saying regarding the Atletico Madrid speculation, in a TV interview with Zagreb-based RTL:
“I hope there was something in the stories, but honestly I didn’t even ask our manager or anything about it. I didn’t care. I have to keep my feet firmly on the ground. It was Atletico Madrid after all, but I’m at a big club already, Celtic.
“Finally I have the chance to play in the Champions League here. Just to hear the atmosphere, that anthem and to get to play on that stage. At Croatia, when you have a player like Josko Guardiol, who has been mentioned to make an £80 million move, as a teammate, you immediately gain great confidence being in the same side as someone like him. Then we have players like Martin Erlic, Josip Sutalo and Josip Stanisic – they have all won good transfers to big clubs. So the future is bright for Croatian football.”
Juranovic’s focus is participation in both the Champions League with Celtic and the World Cup with Croatia and if he makes a significant impact in these competitions then his transfer value will soar. He he wants to go and Celtic are happy to cash in then fair enough.
Let’s just enjoy it while it lasts.
Incidentally the contrast with Tony Ralston’s first few minutes in the second half after Ange swapped right-backs yesterday was stark. Ralston was overlapping Abada to gain an assist from the wonderful one touch finish from Giakoumakis.
🇭🇷 | Juranovic on Atletico Interest
“I hope there was something in the stories, but honestly I didn’t even ask Ange or anything about it. I didn’t care.”
“I have to keep my feet firmly on the ground. It was Atletico Madrid after all, but I’m at a big club already, Celtic.” pic.twitter.com/0FD1pHV3uQ
— Everything Celtic (@aboutceltic) July 14, 2022
Really can’t believe that you are saying Hart could do nothing about the cross the ball was around the six yard line he could have came and taken that ball,he done the same thing later when another ball was crossed in Hart is a bombscare at cross balls and his distribution leaves a lot to be desired
He “Hopes there was something in the stories”.Ah well at least he clarified that.20 million then ,and a replacement lined up please Celtic