Former Celtic star Chris Sutton has questioned Neil Lennon’s open response to critics in the wake of last week’s big derby win away to Rangers, writing in his regular Daily Record column.
Lennon used his post-match press conference to condemn media coverage in the build-up to the Ibrox victory, claiming all the shine and focus had been put on Steven Gerrard and his team.
Celtic were under immense pressure at the time having exited the UEFA Champions League at the hands of Cluj.
Sutton is now wondering whether his reaction has simply opened himself up to more severe criticism the next time things go badly.
As quoted by The Daily Record, he said: “Lennon milked the Old Firm win, although I’m not sure it was all that necessary to have a pop at people afterwards. That just leaves you open if it goes wrong in the future.
“Lennon made a point of saying that players such as Boli Bolingoli and Christopher Jullien had been criticised, but it was also the manager himself who left the pair out of the crucial home tie with Cluj.
“However, it was a high pressure game which many people, including myself, had thought Rangers might get something out of and Celtic prevailed with real comfort, so I suppose in some ways it was understandable that he savoured it with a pressure valve released.”
Does Sutton have a point?
The outspoken pundit is being a little grouchy here in my view.
Lennon was more than entitled to give a little back to media figures and harsh critics within the support after weeks of severe questioning of his methods.
Just as it was perfectly reasonable to criticise the manager and the team in the wake of the Cluj result, it’s perfectly reasonable for Lennon to defend himself after an excellent performance.
The Celtic boss is rarely guarded with the media. He usually says what is on his mind, for better or worse. That hasn’t changed.
He hasn’t really opened himself up to more criticism than he’d receive in the wake of a defeat, if or when it comes. That goes with the territory when you are in charge of a big club like Celtic.
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