Just a day away from tomorrow’s Betfred Cup Final, one of the most anticipated sporting events of the year, Neil Lennon has revealed that his side will be preparing for the match by watching Anthony Joshua’s rematch against Andy Ruiz Jr.
As reported by The Scottish Sun, Lennon admitted that he will be nervous but will be prepared enough to allow himself to rest the night before.
The Celtic manager is headed for his 15th final as both a player and manager but feels that the fight will give his players a chance to unwind once all the prep is done.
“I don’t take these finals for granted. I’m sure I will still have the wee knot in the stomach on Sunday morning, but sometimes that’s a good thing.
“I want all the prep done by Saturday night so that we can go away in the evening and relax.
“We can maybe enjoy the boxing and switch off for a little while.
“I think that’s important and then we will focus again come Sunday.”
Celtic face Steven Gerrard’s the Rangers at Hampden on Sunday in a game that is hotly anticipated by fans and the media. Lennon, meanwhile isn’t feeling the pressure just yet.
“Once it starts, you are fine. You are in the throes of the game and your concentration levels are on it.
“But sometimes in the build-up it can get a bit fraught. I wouldn’t say anxious but you do get a bit giddy.
“Something like the boxing takes their mind off things but these guys have got vast experience, whether it be cup finals or winning leagues.”
Lennon has lost his last two League Cups and is yet to win it as a manager – losing in the 2011 and 2012 Finals to Walter Smith’s old Rangers team and Kilmarnock.
Celtic are the current holders, having won three-in-a-row since 2016 and could win ten trophies in a row should they overcome Gerrard’s side.
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