Neil Lennon is not buying the idea that Celtic are out of the title race. His message is clear and it cuts through the noise around this season.
Celtic’s form has brought heavy criticism, and Lennon has acknowledged that reality. He described the team as poor by their own standards.
That level of honesty matters when assessing his wider Celtic view. Lennon is not ignoring the problems that have defined the Bhoys’ title campaign.
But he has made it clear that poor form does not mean the title race is finished. That is where his argument directly challenges the current Celtic media narrative.
Celtic title race narrative challenged by Neil Lennon
Lennon stated that he still thinks it is up for grabs. That is a direct rejection of the idea that Celtic are already out of contention.
Lennon told the Not Another Football Podcast, “I think Hearts, where they are is amazing, you know. Maybe it’s a black mark against the big two that normally dominate the scene.
“I think they’ve both been poor by their own standards, particularly Celtic, but I still think it’s up for grabs.
“I remember 2005 we were five clear going into the split and we lost it on the last day. So anything can happen. But Celtic need to defend, you know, there’s no consistency.”
Lennon’s view is grounded in experience rather than optimism and his assessment of the title race is refreshing from the media doom and gloom surrounding Celtic.
Recalling a season where Celtic were five clear going into the split and still lost the title on the final day, Lennon underlines how quickly control of a title race can disappear.
This is not a theoretical argument. It is based on something Lennon has already experienced in Glasgow.
That is why his view carries weight. He is not dismissing Celtic’s current situation, but he is refusing to accept their run in the title race is all but over.
Celtic flaws acknowledged but not decisive
Lennon did not ignore the issues within the team. He made it clear that Celtic need to defend better and that Martin O’Neill’s side lack consistency.
Those problems have been evident throughout Celtic’s season. They explain why the pressure around the team has intensified.
They also explain why many have already written Celtic out of the title race. That narrative has grown alongside each inconsistent performance.
But Lennon’s position is that those flaws do not settle the outcome. They are part of the story.
Lennon’s argument is simple and direct. Celtic have not been good enough, but the title is still there to be won.
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