Celtic may be out of contention, but Lille game is still important

Add as preferred source on Google

Celtic are out of the Europa League. Sparta Prague saw to that in their second demolition of Neil Lennon’s team.

Yet, in the first 15 minutes against A.C. Milan, in the San Siro no less, the Bhoys were fired up. Goals from Rogic and Edouard set Celtic up with 2-goal cushion.

After that, defending that can only be described as “banter” ensured that the Rossoneri picked up all 3 points.

Celtic, however, were more resolute in defending their goal on Sunday (BBC). St. Johnstone may have got a point out of their trip to Celtic Park. However, the last two games show shoots of improvement. Keeping up what little momentum Celtic may have is vital for Neil Lennon on Thursday.

There’s no such thing as a “dead rubber” in European football. Sure, we have no hope of progression; it became mathematically impossible a couple of weeks ago. But it’s what Celtic can learn from both Lille and themselves that’s important.

There’s the small matter of reputation to consider, too. If the Bhoys exit this season’s Europa League with a whimper, it only serves to damage the club’s stock even further.

Neil Lennon clearly has the backing of the hierarchy at Celtic. Last night’s statement made that abundantly clear. If he’s planning on keeping his job beyond the next run of fixtures, though, he needs to prove his managerial ability. This is his last chance to do that against the kind of team Celtic should really be trying to compete with.

Lille are as good an opponent as we could get

Lille are a mere two points behind Ligue 1 leaders PSG (ESPN). They’ve only lost once in the league so far this season. It’s a tough test, but in one half of football, we’ve already conquered them.

Celtic played what was probably their best half of football this season over in French Flanders. Yes, it was a draw, but it was points shared with one of Europe’s in-form teams.

This Lille team could be realistic title chasers in France. They’ll be looking to play Champions League football next year. They’re no mugs.

Christophe Galtier’s team are already through to the next round of the Europa League. Galtier is a distinguished manager with an excellent reputation in France. He won’t be looking to do Celtic or anyone any favours.

If Lennon wants to bring fans back onside as we go into the built-up festive fixture list, a big display is needed here. This is by no means a redundant game for Lennon or his players.

There are plenty in the squad with something to prove.

Can Mohammed Elyounoussi drag us forward once again? Will Ajer and Jullien be able to organise a coherent defence? Is Vasilis Barkas capable of being Celtic’s no.1?

Belief

If Celtic can perform here, Lennon will be able to identify the team he wants to play against Rangers on the 2nd of January. As good as Rangers have been this season (and to their credit, they’ve been impressive), Lille most probably have a stronger squad.

Celtic pull off a win to finish off a dismal Europa League campaign, and suddenly things look brighter. Lennon hasn’t put out a winning team since the 8th of November. The awful run we’re on has to end, and it’d be a sweeter end if it was on Thursday.

Lennon can’t afford to drop more points in the league over the next run of games. A positive result would galvanise his team, help him prove a point and give us actual belief we can beat the likes of Kilmarnock.

Kilmarnock, for goodness’ sake.

December could turn out to be a happy month for Celtic fans. There’s a cup final in 12 days. There are winnable games against Hamilton Accies, Dundee United and Ross County, while Rangers need to navigate a tougher run against Motherwell, an on-form St. Johnstone and Hibs.

If Lennon wants to prove his worth to Celtic supporters once more, the wins have to come from somewhere. Giving Lille a fright would go some way to help his ailing reputation.