Everything is amazing- August 2021 signing gives incredible Celtic testimonial

Joisp Juranovic has given an ansolute glowing reference to life at Celtic, describing Glasgow as combining tradition and modern. 

The interview centres on his season at Legia Warsaw, for any emerging Polish player reading it there shouldn’t be too much convincing required if they get approached over a move to Celtic. 

Two years ago Juranovic was about to leave Hadjuk Split for Legia Warsaw, now at the age of 26 he has won back-to-back championships in different country with the Champions League and World Cup Finals to look to before the end of 2022. 

Two month long spells out injured were the only clouds on last season as he found himself thriving at a new club that defied expectations to finish the season with the Premiership title with the Champions League to look forward to. 

Celtic paid a fee of around £2.5m to Legia for their right-back, pound for pound Juranovic delivered as much value as any of Ange Postecoglou’s signings. 

Sport PTV of Poland interviewed the Croatian defender in Question and Answer format:

As we said, you’ve come to Celtic. Great fan base, Celtic Park, British football atmosphere. You must be having a lot of fun playing there, huh? 

Everything is amazing in Celtic. In each of our games, sixty thousand people, regardless of what time we play – at noon or in the evening. Glasgow combines tradition and modernity. I live very well there.

What was the biggest challenge for you after the transfer from Legia to Celtic? 

In Scotland I encountered a different type of matches than in Ekstraklasa. My role on the pitch has also changed. In Legia, I was more focused on the wing, I played widely. In Celtic I am a side defender, but I have more tasks closer to the center of the pitch. It took me a few matches to adjust to this. I am pleased because it has brought us success.

 Just a few days after the transfer, you went out to the big match with Rangers and played on the left back. How did it come about? 

It was a bit of a coincidence because our left-back got injured in the previous game. I think we were playing on Saturday then, and literally the day before the game, the coach of Postecoglu approached me and asked if I was ready to help the team on the left defense. He convinced me that I can and I have the appropriate experience. I answered the coach in the affirmative that I want to play, I want to play in this match. Old Firm Derby is one of the greatest classics in the world. I want to take this opportunity to prove that I can play in a different position than usual.

How would you compare Ekstraklasa and Scottish League? 

Both leagues are difficult in terms of physical play. On the other hand, some Scottish clubs have players with more technical skills than in Ekstraklasa.

In Celtic you took five penalties, all successfully. Who came up with the idea for you to do them? 

The assistant coach asked me about the possibility of penalties. I used my eleven in a series of penalties in the Polish Super Cup, so I declared myself ready. We tried in training and I didn’t miss a single one.

With Bayer Leverkusen in the Europa League you hit Panenka and the ball hit the crossbar. Were you lucky? Admit it. 

(laughs) I just kicked the ball. It’s good that it came.

You are often fun to watch because you have a few technically well trained players up front.” Jota, Maeda, Furuhashi, for me first of all Liel Abada. Who from Celtic do you think has the best chance of reaching the elite level? 

It’s hard for me to name one name. I believe we have a few players with this potential if they keep working as before. The advantage of Celtic is that the system is adapted to the team, not units. This helped us win the Scottish Championship.

You will soon be 27 years old, that’s a great age for a footballer. Celtic qualified for the Champions League group stage, Croatia will play in the World Cup, you have been called up for the Nations League matches in June. Do you set yourself specific goals or are you enjoying the moment? 

I’m enjoying the moment. I am really happy in Celtic, I have amazing fans behind me who even made a song about me. I have a good time there and enjoy playing football. The last two years of my career have been very good and I would just like to continue – maybe without injuring myself because I was a bit unlucky. But at the same time, Celtic won the championship and that’s what matters most.

CLICK HERE for Juranovic Transfermarkt profile.