Celtic boss Neil Lennon abdicates responsibility on BBC Radio Scotland

By Euan Davidson

January 30, 2021

Celtic boss Neil Lennon once again took no responsibility for the Bhoys’ horrendous 2-1 defeat against St. Mirren.

The Celtic manager, who picks the team, works with them in training, sets them up tactically and is directly responsible for results, made deflection after deflection today. Ironically, that’s something his goalkeepers haven’t been able to do in 20-21.

Speaking to BBC Radio Scotland (17:27) after the match, Lennon said:

“It’s a poor performance. Started the game well, conceded a poor goal from our point of view. Took us a while to get our balance right and quality right.

“Again, we concede an awful goal. Second half we dominated the game, but we lacked any sort of quality in the final pass or the finishing.

“We had enough possession and enough chances to get something out of the game. But we shouldn’t be talking about getting something out of that game.

“We should be winning that game.”

Master and student: Neil Lennon learns from his captain, Callum McGregor / (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

Celtic boss Neil Lennon stumped for answers

Neil Lennon expanded on his comments, suggesting that there is no reason at all, nothing tangible, that could be blamed for another shocking Celtic result. He then took another opportunity to criticise his players, explaining there was nothing at stake for them.

A motivational speaker, he is not.

Lennon commented:

“It can’t be confidence, there’s no real pressure on them and no fans here. They’ve got the quality, they’ve proved that over the years. For whatever reason; not just individuals, as a collective, really poor goals defensively, and offensively really not good enough.

“[We’re] just fading out. That’s not like us at all. It’s been symptomatic of this season, I think.”

Celtic boss claims player pressure as excuse

Asked whether the pressure of 10-in-a-row had been too much for some of the playing staff, Neil Lennon responded:

“I wouldn’t disagree with that. They’re human beings, at the end of the day. Maybe they’ve felt it more than others, or maybe some don’t understand the monumental achievement of what could’ve been.”

Questioned about recruitment, particularly the striker situation, Lennon didn’t hesitate to throw his players ceremoniously under the bus.

“I gave Ajeti half an hour today. You could look at Leigh, what’s his contribution as well?

“[Asked if players had let him down] Honest answer? Yes.

“Today’s a low point in terms of the performance and the result. I’ll keep working away and trying with my coaches. We need something back from the players as well.”

Neil Lennon / (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)

“Difficult conversations” for Neil Lennon

Finally, Lennon was asked if difficult conversations needed to be had behind the scenes. The Celtic boss said:

“I’ve had a few of them over the weeks, don’t you worry.”

Perhaps another one will follow on Monday morning. Here’s hoping. This is another embarrassing day for the club, and with Peter Lawwell announcing his imminent departure, surely Neil Lennon is next out the door.

Read more: After today, surely that’s Neil Lennon’s final act as Celtic boss.