World NewsLoovens Dismisses Jones Jibe |
Glenn Loovens has hit back at former manager Dave Jones' claims he lacked ambition by signing for Celtic.
The Cardiff manager questioned Loovens' decision to move to the Clydesdale Bank Premier League champions, accusing him of joining a two-team league.But Loovens, who Gordon Strachan signed for ÂŁ2.5million, insists he can fulfil all his ambitions at Celtic as feels the move can help him achieve international honours with Holland.
Loovens said: "The manager at Cardiff had his opinion. I have my opinion - which is the one that counts for myself.
"Of course, this is a big step for me. If you play to win things, play in the Champions League, then how can you say that's a step down?
"I have to see Scottish football with my own eyes, but I don't think there are any easy games. I watched Sunday's match against Dundee United and they played really well.
"I don't think it's just about two teams.
"He [Jones] said things to me, but it was to try and convince me to stay. That's his right to say it, but I decided to join Celtic.
"I played for the national team from 14 years old until the Under-21s and when I see all the boys coming through from that side, I want to get involved as well.
"Who did I play for at those levels? Do you have a minute?
"I always played with Wesley Sneijder, Rafael van der Vaart and Robin van Persie.
"It wasn't difficult to see them progress because I knew I wasn't ready for it.
"Now, I feel I'm getting better and closer to the level which is required. Let's hope I can get up to that level."
Loovens played for Feyenoord prior to his move to Cardiff and believes his experience with the Dutch giants will help him cope with the pressure at Celtic.
He said: "I played at a big club before at Feyenoord, which is no different from here.
"You have to win medals, which we did at Feyenoord, so this is one of the reasons I came here. I wanted to play for things again and can't wait to get started again."
Loovens could have moved to Rangers, who had tracked him for the majority of the summer.
Loovens added: "In the beginning, it was only Rangers. Then Celtic came in. So I made my mind up because I wanted to play for Celtic.
"I don't really want to focus too much on Rangers. I signed for Celtic, so let's talk about Celtic.
"It wasn't only the Champions League. Celtic is a big club. When a chance like this come along, you have to take it.
"Celtic wanted to do the deal quickly as well, so this is where I choose.
"They play Champions League football and they have won the league three years in a row, so that's it."
Copyright (c) 2009 Press Association
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