First what about that haircut Lenny was sporting in Lyon this afternoon? What is that a Number 1 all over and that probably is appropriate for the manager who started the pursuit of Ten-in-a-Row and aims to make history by completing the job this season.
It had been over 130 days since Celtic’s last game. That was against St Mirren as Celtic scored five without reply and moved ever closer to securing the nine, opening up a 16 point gap by the final whistle and with a superior goal difference of 26. The coronavirus hit us with an enormous void in our Celtic supporting lives and so today’s game had a much greater significance than a usual run of the mill friendly. It signalled that Celtic were back and Bhoy does that feel fantastic!
“I’m delighted with all the players, I thought first-half we were outstanding at times, the shaven headed Celtic boss said. “Considering we hadn’t played for almost five months, technically, physically, tactically the players were really on it.
“It really surprised me how well we played and with a bit of luck we could have won the game comfortably, so that’s a great start. It’s a testament to all the work the players have been doing over the last few weeks.
“Even with VAR I’m still not convinced it’s the right decision. I thought it was the challenge from the Nice player that put Odsonne in.
“It was just the culmination of a great start for us because we looked really threatening and with a bit more care in the final third, which will come, we carved out some great openings and looked really promising on the counter-attack.
“Disappointing for the goal but you’re not going to get everything right first game back so hopefully that’s a good marker for us for the rest of this trip in France.”
VAR robbed Odsonne Edouard of his usual goal (and Lenny was unhappy with that callas you’ll hear below), the defence was left embarrassed by their timid tackling to gift the Cote d’Azur’s finest a first half lead that they did not deserve but a determined Polish Paddy made sure that Celtic would get a share of the spoils. So honours even against a side who have had a few games under their belts and now it’s Lyon on Saturday. (Moussa Dembele’s side have had something of a shocker this evening).
We told you the other night that PATRYCK KLIMALA was going to make a name for himself at Celtic this season.
“He got what he deserved. He’s a work in progress, it’s a different style of football to what he’s used to in Poland, different culture, but his attitude was brilliant,” Lenny said. He clearly rates the boy too and his opinion is the one that matters most.
“And he’s really hungry to do well and over the piece he will contribute really well,” the Celtic manager added.
Celtic other winter window signing, Ismaila Soro also came in for some prise from his manager after his Celtic debut this afternoon.
“I’m pleased with Soro’s improvement as well and the rest of the core group I was delighted with today.
“We want to have good back-up, we want to have people banging on the door to get in. It’s not exactly competition but what I want is me to have the ability to go, ‘right, you’re in today’ and it’s a seamless transition.
“That’s what we’re aiming for and we’re looking to bring a few more players in as we go along but like I said I was happy with the squad in the main and getting Moi over the line is a great bit of business from us again.
“There’s continuity there as we move forward but the core group I’m very pleased with.”
Here’s the Number 1 manager in Scottish football talking about today’s performance.
💬 “Considering we hadn’t played in almost 5 months – technically, physically, tactically – we were really on it tonight.”
Neil Lennon praises his #CelticFC side after tonight’s return to action in Lyon. #NICCEL pic.twitter.com/NocoBDf7aa
— Celtic Football Club (in 🇫🇷) (@CelticFC) July 16, 2020
The gaffer got a loan of broonys cutters again 😂 pic.twitter.com/a8yMoXHTKx
— Nicole McElroy (@nicolemc85) July 16, 2020
What a relief to be on the pitch again and play a real game with the Bhoys.
And beside I'm proud to have the opportunity to support the #BlackLivesMatter movement , we must not stay silent ✊🏿✊🏽✊🏻✊ #BLM#FootballisBack#HoopsUpsideYourHead pic.twitter.com/TM7zNxIt8q— Chris Jullien.. (@Chri6ViF) July 16, 2020
