Full Celtic Media Conference: Neil Lennon...ahead of the flight to Milan, the Celtic manager spoke to the MSM and opened by answering questions about the supporter protest outside the stadium on Sunday after the fourth consecutive home defeat and an 8-2 double header defeat to Sparta Prague in the Europa League. Remember Celtic were the top seed in Group H while Sparta Prague were the fourth seeds. Let that sink in!
“On the scenes on Sunday, we were disappointed and hurt. I understand the frustrations of the supporters. We are not in a great run at the minute. We are in agreement, we must do better and we have to do that with results and performances,” Lennon said.
On team news for tomorrow, Elyounoussi won’t travel as he is ‘unavailable’, while Shane Duffy is a doubt after picking up a slight injury in training. Christopher Jullien is also unlikely to start having played two games in quick succession after returning from his back injury, so is likely to be kept in reserve for Sunday and the infinitely more important game against St Johnstone at Celtic Park.
“I understand the frustrations of the supporters because ultimately we aren’t on a great run at the moment. But it serves no purpose, particularly for the players,” Lennon said.
“I am old enough and big enough to take criticism and abuse. Some of it is justified, some of it is over the top. That is the role of a manager. That is the responsibility you have to bear.
“We are all in agreement that we must do better. And we have to do that with results and performances. It only takes a flick of a switch.
“I think we are lacking a bit of confidence, a little bit of belief at the minute. But it can turn around very quickly, then it is baby steps after that, build, build, build build. But tomorrow we are looking for a performance and a result to start with.
“For 20 years from my own point of view I”I look to the players as well, they are working so hard to turn it around and they are feeling it a little bit so they need my support as well,” the Celtic manager stated. On his relationship with the CEO and the club’s largest shareholder: “We talk about the game, talk about the players, talk about the results. Obviously, we also talk about the values that we have, the durability that the club has. have done everything in my power to bring success to the club and the fans. That is not going to change just on the run of a bad month or people being upset about my style of management if I can say that. And they don’t know what it is, they are just sort of voicing their opinions,” Lennon added.
Asked again about his relationship with Peter Lawwell and Dermot Desmond and their continued backing after the 2-0 defeat to Ross County, the Celtic manager re-stated his opening remarks. “We are strong, we are not in great shape at the minute in terms of results and performances but I have a great relationship with them. It doesn’t count for anything if results keep going the wrong way because then they have a decision to make but we are not near that point yet.
“They believe in me and I believe in what we are trying to do. I believe in my backroom staff as well. It sounds like I am repeating myself time and again but we do believe we will turn it around.”
