Celtic boss Neil Lennon has been encouraged by Celtic’s recent performances in Europe. The Hoops proudly sit at the top of Europa League Group E after the 2-1 win over Lazio.
Lennon has been so impressed by how Celtic have fared in Europe that he believes that in time the Hoops can once more reach the last 16 of the Champions League.
“I don’t believe that the Champions League is way beyond any Scottish club” he said, as reported by the Scotsman.
“We will be there again”
“In time, we will be there again and challenging, and hopefully breaking the ceiling of the last 16 again. We’ve done that before, and we’re hoping we can do that again.”
Both Celtic and bitter rivals Rangers are in a good position to make the last 32 of the Europa League. However, it could be a while before either side makes the last 16 of the Champions League.
Celtic last achieved the feat during Lennon’s first spell as Celtic boss in the 2012-13 season. Since then Celtic have not come close to reaching the last 16 of Europe’s premier club competition. The Hoops weren’t able to get out of the group stages under Brendan Rodgers. He was a manager who otherwise conquered all as Celtic manager.
If Lennon and Celtic are to have a chance of ‘breaking the ceiling’ of the Champions League, they will have to improve on this season’s performance.
Hoops must improve on this season’s performance
The Hoops couldn’t even get into the Champions League proper this season, losing to Cluj in the third qualifying round.
Lennon did well with Celtic in Europe in his first spell as Hoops manager. Therefore, you can see why is he confident that the Hoops can rise once more to prominence in the Champions League.
It might take a few years for that to happen. However, it is good to see that Neil Lennon has the ambitions to make Celtic a force in Europe once more.
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