Neil Lennon says Scottish football could be in for another spell of strong dominance from his old club Celtic. The man who both played for and managed the club on two different occasions in his coaching career has insisted that theRangers supporters should get used to the sight of green and white ribbons tied around the domestic silverware.
Lennon of course won countless titles as both player and coach, and enjoyed his own periods of dominance at different times during his spells at Celtic Park. Unfortunately, we would not secure one of the most important titles of his second time in the Parkhead hot seat, as the dominance slipped during the Covid Cup season.
Speaking on PLZ Soccer however, the Irishman said: “I think we’re looking at another long period of Celtic dominance. They’re so well-managed, Covid had an impact on everyone but player trading (has been good to them), then you’ve got the likes of Frimpong who could go for big money and Celtic get an add-on from that. The club is in good health and that’s because they have clever people behind the scenes as well.
“Psychologically it was damaging for Rangers against Aberdeen. It was Michael’s first defeat outwith Celtic. They’ll have to park that and concentrate on winning one game of football. Celtic just seem to have the psychological edge over them. Even when they’re not at their best, they’re still beating them and scoring three goals. According to everyone, the 3-2 win the other week, they didn’t play well but they still scored three. If they do play well at Hampden, I can only see one winner. And if they don’t, maybe psychologically they will win it anyway.”
Our former boss also revealed that both Ryan Kent and Todd Cantwell have been underwhelming for Beale and that a lack of pace is killing them against Ange Postecoglou’s men. He said: “If Michael wants to win a trophy, if the players want to win a trophy and stop Celtic winning a Treble, they have to win this game. By hook or by crook, he’s got to find a way of not outplaying Celtic – because that’s a difficult thing to do – but outwork them, be more physical within the laws of the game, and try to keep a clean sheet.
“The goals they conceded at Celtic Park were poor. I’m not sure (about their lineup). There’s a lack of pace in the team at times. Goldson coming in might make a difference, he’ll be big for them but he’s had his injury problems. Cantwell hasn’t really lit anything up, Kent’s been very inconsistent for the talent that he should have.
“It’s going to be difficult, they’re going to have to dig deep, cut out the noise and concentrate on the game. They’re capable of it but they need to recover from Aberdeen and look at where they can catch Celtic off guard. Eventually, if Michael doesn’t get it right, people are going to ask questions. Or maybe Celtic are just better and he needs another transfer window to build a team.” On his own prediction, Lennon replied: “I just think Celtic are superior and will win by a couple of goals.”
🚨EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW
Neil Lennon predicts ‘long period of dominance’ for Celtic under Ange Postecoglou
WATCH the full interview on PLZ Soccer YouTube on Wednesday at 9AM#CelticFC I #RangersFC pic.twitter.com/dcV3cH8Q3Z
— PLZ Soccer (@PLZSoccer) April 25, 2023
Paul Gillespie
