Celtic boss Neil Lennon has slammed his critics and stated that they need to “settle down” despite having the season from hell.
The likes of Lennon, Hibs boss Jack Ross, and now Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes have been under the spotlight for poor runs of form this season. This has involved criticism from both the media and their supporters.
Lennon, however, has been the main one in the spotlight. Despite his goal this season being to secure 10-in-a-row – something the club has worked for nine years to achieve – he can’t seem to understand the negativity in him blowing it up in front of our faces and then refusing to resign or admit he wasn’t the man for the job.
As quoted by the Daily Record, Lennon said: “No, I don’t think it is par for the course at all, it is quite disgraceful. Some of the interviewing techniques this season have left a lot to be desired. And I’ve talked about a blood-lust. You’ve had myself, Jack Ross and now Derek having to defend themselves in the media when it is totally disrespectful and unbalanced.
“I wish people would settle down and have some faith in the management structures. It was only six weeks ago we were winning the treble. There’s a lust for managers to be sacked but we are human beings at the end of the day and we are trying to be as professional as we can.
“Now even I feel I have to be so guarded now because people are so selective in what they use and then they throw it out against you, maybe a month or two down the line when it is taken out of context. The narrative certainly this year has been very negative towards the club.”
Celtic critics spot on to hammer the club
I’m sorry. Look, we’ll defend Lennon whenever it’s necessary or whenever there indeed is an unfair level of stick thrown his way. But I just personally cannot see where he’s coming from here.
He’s just not facing reality. It’s not that supporters have just lost faith in the management structure suddenly. This may surprise Lennon, but there’s actually some logic to why so many are enraged with the club.
The sheer pitifulness of surrendering the title to Rangers, in this year of years, will always be unforgivable. To be knocked out of the Betfred Cup at home to Ross County. To be embarrassed in Europe (particularly the double-header vs Sparta Prague).
That’s not even taking into account the host of summer signings and their lack of an impact. Or the fact Lennon has failed to find a consistent XI or even a consistent goalkeeper this season. He’s telling us all to have faith in the management structure when they’ve just overseen the biggest nightmare of a season in decades.
Anyone having a pop at Lennon or Celtic for their conduct this season deserves backing. Both the club and the manager have treated us with total disregard and sheer disdain at times. That won’t ever be forgiven, and regardless of whether we string two or three wins together on occasion.
It’s important fans continue to demand change at this football club. The manager cannot hide behind the odd decent run of form anymore. It’s over. The sooner Celtic outline their intentions to make those sweeping summer changes, the earlier they’ll get that trust back from their supporters.
In other news, take a look at our predicted XI for tonight’s game at St Mirren.
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