Yahoo Sport 
Jozo Simunovic reveals Celtic connection that's never gone away as he leans on Brendan Rodgers for advice
Jozo Simunovic believes the advice of Brendan Rodgers can help him to become a boss. And the former Parkhead star is thrilled to see his old gaffer’s guidance also cement Celtic as a competitive Champions League team.
Simunovic was in the Maksimir Stadium to see his two former clubs go head-to-head at Europe’s top level. The ex-defender also spent time in the morning of the game with Rodgers’ assistant John Kennedy at Celtic’s Zagreb base as he caught up with old friends. Simunovic hopes to become a gaffer is his own right down the line as he currently works as assistant at Dinamo’s Under-19s. He said: “One day, yes. I had good coaches, so I could learn a lot. That gives me hope!”
Rodgers is a regular source of assistance as Simunovic explained: “Yes, always. Every time, we speak together, spending time. He’s been great for me personally and for the team. John is a top, top guy, so every time when I come over, or in this case he came here, we have a chat and it is good to spend time with the guys.”
Simunovic was a Celtic Invincible under Rodgers, but says it’s impossible to judge if this term’s unit will repeat the feat. He said: “It is hard. It is many years gone already (since then), so some things have changed as well. The structure of the play has also changed, so it hard to compare.”
Simunovic does, though, believe Celtic are genuine Champions League material these days as he added: “Yes. With this new format, it works really well. So many teams and so many games. Hopefully, that’s definitely what Celtic likes. But also, we can say format and blah, blah, but the team is also in good shape, it is looking good, playing good, so that’s the most important part of all.
“I believe in (getting past) these group stages as well. They are doing good in the league as well. Of course, it is always hard to play away games, it is not the same (as Celtic Park) in terms of atmosphere with the fans and everything. But, at the end of the day, a point each was well deserved.”
Simunovic is confident Celtic will secure the first silverware of the season by sinking Rangers in Sunday’s Premier Sports Cup Final. He said: “I think they will win. If they play the way they did in Zagreb and in the last couple of months.
“Look, Celtic sets the standard, so they just need to keep going. It reminds me of the Celtic when I used to be there and we used to play, especially that season when we were unbeaten, so I am looking forward to it. Of course, against Rangers is always a tough game, but I really do trust these guys and this group.”
Simunovic’s former team-mate Callum McGregor will skipper the side at Hampden having made a 100th Euro appearance against Dinamo. The former stopper was at Celtic for the captain’s debut and said: “I laughed with him because 10 years ago, I have seen the photo, he looked really, really young. He had just started with the top-team football. Callum is the engine of this team. He is unbelievable. His attitude and everything is top level, so I am really glad for him.”
