DID you see the Cluj tweet after today’s Europa League draw? It’s definitely one for Neil Lennon to pin on the Celtic dressing room door. The Romanian Champion’s official Twitter feed messaged the Europa League account saying “Hi Europa League, “Hi Europa League? Did we not ask you to give us a challenge. I mean Celtic again.”
Hi @EuropaLeague ? Did we not ask you to give us a challenge. I mean Celtic again ????????????????
— CFR Clujj (@CFR_Clujj1907) August 30, 2019
Neil Lennon, we’re sure, will make sure that Celtic provide Cluj with a satisfactory challenge in the Europa League. These games could be very interesting to say the least! Here’s what the Celtic manager had to say at his Media Conference earlier today.
“It’s a great draw. There’s a couple of glamour games there and a chance to maybe exact some sort of retribution on Cluj as well, so we’re delighted to be in there and delighted with the group. There are a lot of big games to look forward to, which is exactly what we want,” Neil Lennon told the media as reported on the official Celtic site.
“You always think in the back of your mind that it might be a possibility with the teams being in different pots. It’s come out that way, but I wouldn’t make too big an issue of it. By that stage, hopefully we’ll be at full steam ahead, and we’re playing very well at the minute.
“On the basis of last night, we had a great performance and we just want to maintain that form as we go along.”
Celtic and Rennes, or Stade Rennais if you prefer their French name, came face to face in the early pre-season match at Celtic Park that finished goalless. On a competitive level, the Celtic manager got a 1-1 draw in Brittany in the Europa League in 2011 while the Hoops won the home match 3-1, you can watch the goals below.
???? Celtic score with just 4 touches ????
???? Rennes in the 2011 group stage#UELdraw | #UEL pic.twitter.com/ijYoMT8YJ1
— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) August 30, 2019
“They are a good side, they won the cup last year which is no mean feat in beating PSG in the final. They’ve got some very talented, quick players. We’ve met them before in the Europa League and have had a couple of positive results against them, so we’re looking for more of the same really,” Lenny said.
“And, of course, Lazio is a great draw, it’s very glamorous and it’s a trip to Rome as well, I think that’s something everyone here will look forward to.
“I feel we’ve got the making of a good side. I’m not going to make predictions, but I think that we can make a good impact on the group.
“After playing Cluj recently, that would be the first thing that would probably come into the players’ heads, and with Lazio and Rennes, we’ll think we can have a real go at both of those teams.”
