“The overriding emotion is to play well and win the game, that’s the most important thing and to put on a performance, under the lights, on a European night for the supporters and get that energy, roar and noise in the stadium that we’ve had over the 15 to 20 years,” Neil Lennon told Celtic TV.
“How much of a factor do the supporters play in this?” Celtic TV presenter Gerry McCulloch asked the manager.
“Massive, huge. When I played you ran that little bit quicker, you found an extra yard, you felt stronger with that backing and I’m sure it no different for the current group of players.
“They are special nights. Maybe Cluj aren’t the big name that has been here over the years but still its a prestige game and it’s a very important game.”
So there’s the rallying cry. Yesterday we reported on Scott Brown’s thoughts on this match, and you certainly get the feeling that for the skipper there’s personal pride at stake after what happened in the Champions League qualifier back in August at Celtic Park.
“In the last match I gave away a hand ball and that is not like me. It was just one of those freak things that happened. We didn’t perform the way we should again Cluj last time. That’s what we want to put right this time,”Broony said.
There is some good news on the injury front ahead of the Revenge Mission on Thursday with THREE players returning and in contention to be involved. Mikey Johnston and Nir Bitton, both picked up injuries on Beautiful Sunday but are now back in training and Leigh Griffiths is also fit again after a double whammy of having a thigh strain and a virus kept him out for the past few weeks.
Speaking to Celtic TV Neil Lennon gave this update: “We are looking healthy, we have no fresh injuries. There’s a few bumps and bruises, Moritz’s ankle is still a little bit swollen,” Lenny said but should have added as a result of that challenge at Easter Road that somehow neither Kevin Clancy not his assistant saw.
“Nir Bitton is back in training now, Mikey Johnston is back in training now, so the only long-term absentee is Jozo.
“Tom Rogic has a tiny little bit of fluid around the knee but he should train on Wednesday. Griff is back in training now but obviously he has missed a few weeks of training. But the squad depth is good.”
???? “We’re looking to get that energy, noise and roar from the supporters.”
Neil Lennon outlines how massive your support will be on Thursday night! #UEL
Watch full interview now on @CelticTV ????
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— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) October 1, 2019
A win over current group leader Cluj will guarantee Celtic top spot after two games, perhaps shared with Rennes if they win in Rome and the gaffer is pleased enough with the way things have gone so far this season, with the notable exception being that awful August night against Thursday’s opponents.
“I’m quite happy,” Lenny said. “They have started the group very well. People talk about revenge, retribution. It’s a motivation for the players because it’s so recent. But in terms of the game, it’s a home in Europe, it’s one we want to win,” Lenny said to Celtic TV as reported by The Herald.
“We got off to a great start in the group as well so it’s important we maximise home advantage.”
The mistakes made in that horrible and costly 4-3 defeat will NOT be repeated, that is the essential requirement that the players, management and support all understand. Looking back Lenny pin-pointed the root cause of the problems his team caused for themselves.
“We started at a poor tempo and I think that’s what really cost us. You can look at the individual goals we conceded in the second half but we let that 45 minutes get away from us and found ourselves a goal down and chasing the tie, so that’s something we have to look at.
“In terms of their style of play, they are very direct and very effective. I think it’s going to be an energetic, high tempo game and I think that will suit us.”
ALSO ON THE CELTIC STAR TODAY…
Christie Earns SPFL TOTW Place as Barnes Returns to Dugout…see HERE.
Four Celts in Scotland squad as Shankland gets called up…see HERE.
Celtic get Cash Boost…see HERE.
