It’s been a while since you would have heard the name Jiri Jarosik uttered around Celtic Park.
The midfielder who was signed by Gordon Strachan from Chelsea for £3.5million back in 2006 has now gone into management – an unlikely turn of events the player admits himself.
However, the former Czech Republic star is currently doing his UEFA badges and getting experience on the other side of the game.
Speaking about his experience so far, Jarosik admits he didn’t see the fiery side of himself come out on the touchline when he was quite calm as a player.
“I understand why people say I was always calm on the pitch. That was my style. When I started to coach, I expected to be the same. he told Inside Sport and cited by Sunsport.
“I have been coaching for 18 months and I am also studying to get my licence to be a head coach.
“I’m crazy about football and coaching now. That’s all I think about. There is little time for anything else. This is my focus now. I watch every game I can. I am obsessed.”
When the question was put to the former Celtic man about potentially taking the reigns at Celtic Park as manager, he was very reluctant to say he was anywhere near ready but the thought of doing so excited him.
“When I am ready, I hope to have more experiences and, of course, managing Celtic one day would be perfect.
“Let’s not get carried away. I’d love to have a top coaching career and Glasgow is a great football city. But I need to take things step by step.
“I have a long way to go, but a return to Celtic in the future? Why not?”
Jarosik was signed for Strachan and won the league title with Celtic. There were big hopes for the midfielder who had only a couple of years previously been signed by Chelsea for £10million.
He was an adequate player but didn’t really hit the heights maybe many thought he should have.
My abiding memory of Jarosik was seeing him set up Nakamura’s world class free kick v Man U by falling over like a felled tree. Thanks Jiri!!!