Celtic manager Neil Lennon won’t be taking any criticism from ex-pro pundits to heart anytime soon, he’s told The Sunday Post.
Chris Sutton has become a big personality in Scottish football. He’s either found bickering on BT Sport with Stephen Craigan or on Twitter giving instant reactions to big moments in the game.
In the wake Celtic’s European defeat to CFR Cluj he’s had plenty to say.
In his Daily Record column he didn’t miss those responsible, dishing out criticism to Lennon as well as Scott Brown and Peter Lawwell.
Lennon though understands the role that Sutton and others plays.
As quoted by The Sunday Post, the Hoops boss said: “Sutty is a pundit, so he has got to do his job.
“Ten years ago I would have been straight on the phone to him – ‘See you, you such and such. What are you talking about?’.
“Now, though, I don’t take it personally. Chris, John [Hartson] and the Andy Walkers of this world, they are there to give their opinion.
“They will see the game the way they see it, and I will see the game the way I see it.”
Should Lennon shut himself off?
It’s a reasonable view to take from the manager. Getting caught up in tit for tat scenario in the press would obviously not be a good look for any parties.
Lennon needs to disconnect from all the media criticism that has come his way in the fall out of Tuesday’s disappointment.
Celtic are best doing their talking on the pitch.
Saturday’s game against Dunfermline wasn’t the ideal response to the Cluj result. However, Lennon will be hoping his team can pick up a good win this Thursday against AIK.
Only with consistent performances will he be able to prove this Celtic side are contenders to maintain the success we’ve enjoyed so much over the last few years.
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