Former Celtic defender Jozo Šimunović has embarked on a new chapter in football, taking up the role of Under-19s manager at Dinamo Zagreb. [germanijak]
It’s a heartening development for a player whose career was cruelly cut short by injuries, limiting his potential on the pitch but now offering a fresh start on the sidelines.
Šimunović left Celtic in 2020 at just 25 years old after five years with the Hoops. Following his departure, he made only eight senior appearances, a stark reminder of how injuries hampered a career that once held so much promise. Still only 30 years old, the Croatian was forced to shift his ambitions, transitioning into coaching much earlier than most.
His new role at Dinamo Zagreb, one of Europe’s most renowned academies, could prove to be the perfect platform for Šimunović to share his knowledge and experience with the next generation of talent.
During his time in Glasgow, Šimunović made over 125 appearances for Celtic, forming an integral part of a defensive line that helped secure thirteen major honours, including five Scottish Premiership titles.
Perhaps the most iconic moment of his Celtic career was his thunderous tackle on Kenny Miller during a Glasgow Derby in 2019. The challenge became instantly legendary.
Best of luck to the Celtic invincible.
