Celtic manager Neil Lennon has explained that neither Patryk Klimala nor Albian Ajeti were match fit for tonight’s crucial European qualifier against Ferencvaros, speaking to BBC Radio Scotland pre-match (19:13).
Odsonne Edouard was missing from the game because of a muscle injury and fans may have expected one of Lennon’s 2020 signings to come into the team.
However, the Bhoys boss opted to go with Ryan Christie, a player who has been primarily utilised as an attacking midfielder over the last two years.
The lack of a central striking force has been apparent in the first half, with opportunities in the box limited and the Hungarian champions currently 1-0 up at the time of publishing (half-time).
While it’s obviously a team effort and nothing can be blamed on one selection, the absence of Klimala, in particular, has raised eyebrows.
Lennon told BBC Radio Scotland tonight (19:13): “Edouard’s got a niggle in the thigh. It was too sore for him yesterday and obviously he’s not made it, so it’s a big loss for us but we’ve got plenty of quality in the team tonight.
“Ajeti is not match fit and Klimala is not match fit. I’ve got a front six that would grace a lot of teams.
“We may not have a recognised centre forward as such but Christie can play there and Elyounoussi can play there, we’ve got a lot of goals in the team.
“While it’s been a bit of a headache, we feel it’s the best team we can put out at the minute.”
Ajeti not being up to speed is understandable considering his recent move from West Ham and the lack of a full pre-season.
Klimala, however, was included in the club’s pre-season trip to Loughborough University and also travelled to France for friendlies, getting minutes under his belt.
BBC Sportsound pundit Pat Bonner had concerns about Lennon’s comments, telling BBC Radio Scotland (19:16): “How do you get them [Ajeti and Klimala] match fit if they don’t play games? Klimala I would question. Why isn’t he match fit? He’s been here long enough.”
Since the start of the competitive season, Klimala has come off the bench in all four of our matches, getting 49 minutes in total under his belt (Transfermarkt).
That’s not a lot but surely the fact he has been getting on to the pitch suggests he is capable of starting? Especially if you have no other strikers?
Hopefully Celtic can turn things around in the second half and the manager gets some real striking firepower on the pitch.
Our Champions League ambitions are on the line.
In other news, the Bhoys boss has delivered a transfer update.
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