Some Celtic fans have been left fuming by the performance of central defender Jozo Simunovic following the club’s 3-1 win over Kilmarnock on Wednesday evening.
The Hoops picked up a convincing 3-1 win away from home and came back to winning ways in the Premiership, weeks after losing 2-1 in the Old Firm derby at the end of 2019. Odsonne Edouard, Leigh Griffiths and Christopher Jullien got the goals, while Nickie Kabamba got a consolation for the Killies.
How would you rate Simunovic's performance v Kilmarnock?
Poor, don't want him again
Not bad, will get better
But the win saw Celtic fans fume at central defender Simunovic, who was starting as the right centre-back in a 3-5-2 shape. Hoops fans made their opinions very clear.
The titanic turns quicker than the big man, he’s awful
— stephen gibson (@gibby150) January 23, 2020
Killie haven’t scored in 10hours of play.
BOOM! 20 seconds later.
Ajer and Simunovic spectators— IGCeltic (@IGCeltic) January 22, 2020
Simunovic awful just awful
— Pol MacFhionnghaile (@mcginleybhoy) January 22, 2020
Šimunovi? there…not his preferred pitch type but, still?
— Patrick Mulcahy (@MrMulcahy) January 22, 2020
What is simunovic doing
— John Shaw (@John196788) January 22, 2020
Simunovic at fault about 3 times in 20 seconds there for that, just not up to the level
— Gavin Murphy (@Gavv_67) January 22, 2020
Simunovic is 25 and recently returned from injury. The recent win over Kilmarnock was his first appearance in the Premiership this season, having missed the first half of the campaign due to a knee injury and Arthroscopy.
Before succumbing to the injury early in the season, Simunovic had made eight appearances in all competitions for the Hoops. They came in the domestic cup and in the Europa League and the Champions League qualifiers.
Last season, Simunovic played much more often for the club. He made 30 appearances in all competitions for the club, scoring twice and both goals came in the Premiership.
What do we think?
This was Simunovic’s first game in the Premiership since returning and he just needs time to get into the full swing of playing regularly. He will add depth to that position and would be a useful player when in full swing.