When you look at Brendan Rodgers’ time as Celtic manager, it can only be considered extremely successful. He won all seven trophies that he competed for domestically. He also helped the Hoops return to the Champions League, and there was also the matter of the 69 match unbeaten run.
However, there was one aspect where he could have done better. However, that does not mean his controversial exit to join Premier League Leicester last season. That was his record at Celtic Park in the group stages of the Europa League.
Needed help to reach last 32 of competition
Last season, the Hoops won only one out of three home ties in the group stages. That wasn’t a good record, and it took a late equaliser by Rosenborg against Red Bull Leipzig to help the Bhoys reach the last 32 of the competition.
Beginning against Cluj on Thursday night, Neil Lennon has a chance to better that record. Few people would say that Lennon is a better manager than Rodgers. However, he can better what has to be considered one of the few disappointments from Rodgers’ time at Celtic.
Should the Hoops defeat Cluj, Lennon will have already matched Rodgers’ record of one win from the home group stage fixtures.
Win would leave Hoops in a position of strength
That will be an excellent start to the group stages for the Hoops boss. Last season, Celtic were always playing catch-up in the group stages. This season, it could be the opposite with a win over Cluj. The Hoops could go into the double header against Lazio from a position of strength.
Neil Lennon and Celtic have so far managed to bounce back well from the loss to Cluj in the Champions League qualifiers that threatened to derail the start of the season. They are unbeaten in all competitions since that loss.
A win over Cluj at home in the group stages of the Europa League would show that the recovery from the earlier loss is all but complete.
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