A section of Celtic fans have taken to Twitter to lay into Jozo Simunovic for his performance in their side’s Champions League qualifier 3-0 win against FC Alashkert on Tuesday night.
Goals from Odsonne Edouard, James Forrest and Callum McGregor helped the Hoops cope with searing temperatures and competitive opponents to start the Euro campaign in style.
But it was not all plain sailing for Celtic as their defence had some dicey moments, with supporters particularly frustrated with the contribution of Simunovic, who lined up alongside Jack Hendry and Kristoffer Ajer in a back three.
This Is Futbol has rounded up some of the best tweets:
Simunovic having a regi blinker ???? dives in far too much
— Frankie Mcgowan (@frankjnrjnr) July 10, 2018
Simunovic is crap, we need to improve the defence before the next leg
— John (@Goose1167) July 10, 2018
Simunovic gets burned but a nice save by Gordon. Alashkert on the attack again but the shot goes wide.
— yahmpy (@yahmpy) July 10, 2018
Don’t like simunovic at all man no idea why????
— Stacey Devlin (@StaceyDevlinxxx) July 10, 2018
I’m less convinced about Simunovic now than I have been at any time in his Celtic career. What happened to him? ????
— Roger Moore (@SimpleBlinds67) July 10, 2018
Early days i guess, but Hendry looks real dodgy at the back.
As for Simunovic, the less said the better.
— Chucky Orr-Law ???????? (@f_psychiatr1s7) July 10, 2018
Spot on. Not convinced when we play three in the back at all. Much better with four back there. Hendry still isn’t proven and Jozo has gone backwards. Need another two defenders in. Morgan will be a great addition
— Craig Wilkinson (@xfitbhoy) July 11, 2018
Celtic should have way too much for Alashkert over 2 legs but I can’t help thinking that Jozo, Hendry, Ajer and Gordon give any team a chance…
— Rob (@aarbee13) July 9, 2018
COMMENTARY:
How Simunovic’s reputation has plummeted among the Celtic faithful, who once saw him as the outstanding centre-back at the club. The Croatian was as solid as a rock as the team steamrollered their way to the first of two domestic trebles, but last term was a wash-out at times for the centre-back, who suffered long periods on the sidelines during a frustrating campaign. He lost his regular starting spot not only to new number one Dedryck Boyata, but youngsters Kristoffer Ajer and Jack Hendry also climbed above the former Dinamo Zagreb star in the pecking order. Simunovic needs to steer clear of injury and have a lengthy run without fitness issues to have any chance of nailing down a regular starting role.