“We’re ready for those big occasions,” Jeffrey Schlupp | OneFootball

Jeffrey Schlupp says when he and Brendan Rodgers met, it was as if they had known each other years in advance of their meeting during the January transfer window…

Jeffrey Schlupp of Celtic arrives at the stadium prior to the match between Celtic and Dundee at Celtic Park on February 05, 2025. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

The utility player signed for the Hoops on deadline day last month and has given the team a much needed injection of pace and power on the left-hand side of the defence.

“I mean it was an easy sell to me really,” Schlupp

With Greg Taylor having no real competition for some time, it’s been a welcome change to see someone else push for that starting berth alongside Auston Trusty, Cameron Carter-Vickers and Alistair Johnston. With Jeff now in the building and showing the supporters what he’s all about, he’s been speaking out about that recent move to Scotland and his motivation to join the biggest and best club in the country.

Jeffrey Schlupp of Celtic Celtic v Dundee, Celtic Park, 5 February 2025 Photo Stuart Wallace, Shutterstock

“I mean it was an easy sell to me really,” Schlupp told Sky Sports Scotland. As soon as I spoke to the manager about his plans, his vision, the targets for this season; I think they aligned with me perfectly. It was a pretty easy decision when the option actually came.”

Kasper Schmeichel –  “He just told me how much I’d love it”

Schlupp was quizzed about his relationship with Kasper Schmeichel, as both men played together and won a title at Leicester City under Claudio Ranieri. He replied: “Yeah I did do (speak to him). It was pretty quick though, the way it happened. You know, sort of when the news came out. By the time he (Schmeichel) messaged me, everything was pretty much already agreed anyway. Yeah, he just told me how much I’d love it.

“It’s a bit weird actually. Obviously, we won the league together and I left six months after that. So actually, I haven’t seen him since. So obviously, it was nice seeing his face when I came here. If we managed to do that again her together, it would be a great moment of course.”

Jeffrey Schlupp Celtic Glasgow, 15, 18.02.2025, UEFA Champions League, Playoffs, FC Bayern Muenchen – Celtic Glasgow, Allianz Arena, Photo HMB Media Heiko Becker

On Brendan Rodgers: ‘I was buzzing to work under him’

On his new gaffer, the Crystal Palace loanee said: “I’d played against his teams for many years. As soon as we spoke, it was as if we’d known each other for years. He’s a really easy-going guy anyway, and again, his CV speaks for itself. I was buzzing to work under him, and now I am.”

The Champions League experience in Munich was also put to Jeff, and he revealed it was heart-breaking but a great moment to play on that stage. “It was a huge game – huge game for me,” he said. “I think everyone would agree how well we did. We just fell short at the end.

“We can compete with any team in the world”

“We got unlucky with what happened, which was obviously very tough to deal with. I think from the footballing world, I think we’ve shown everyone that we’re ready for those big occasions and that we can compete with any team in the world.”

Jeffrey Schlupp waves to the crowd as he walks off the pitch. Celtic v Dundee United, Celtic Park, 15 February 2025 Photo Stuart Wallace Shutterstock

On his plans at the end of this season when his contract officially expires at Palace, he added: “Listen, I’m here until the end of the season. Nothing has been talked about. Which again, we’re focussing on the league and the cup, and finishing the season strong. And then, as I say, what will be, will be. I’m obviously loving my time here. All focus is on this season, and then we’ll see what happens after that.”

Paul Gillespie

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