Former Celtic boss Neil Lennon has given his view on the current mood at Parkhead after a tough week for the club.
Celtic crashed out of the Champions League qualifiers to Kairat in midweek, sparking more anger from fans already annoyed at the lack of new signings.
Focus has also shifted onto Adam Idah, with doubts over his future and talk that the striker could be on his way. For a squad in desperate need of fresh faces, the thought of losing a key player has only made things worse.
Brendan Rodgers wanted to kick on from last season’s success, but his plans have stalled with little movement in the market and the clear fact that top players are hard to land without Champions League football. Celtic have been here before, and Lennon knows well how heavy that pressure can be.
Lennon summed up just how draining the past week has been for both Celtic and Rangers, pointing out the strain on bosses when so many issues hit at the same time.
He said: (Sky Sports), “This is the worst week to be a Rangers or Celtic manager. You’ve got the transfer window, the Champions League qualifier, and then this at the end of it.
“Results for both teams didn’t go well, players want out, and sometimes they’ve got the power — pretending to be injured or refusing to play. There’s not a lot managers can do. It’s very disappointing.
“For Celtic, Brendan wanted to push the club on, but without guaranteed Champions League football it’s hard to get the quality of player they want. Agents aren’t bringing £12m players to play in the Europa League. Maybe that’s just their level this season, unfortunately.”
Lennon’s comments highlight the root of Celtic’s issues. Champions League football doesn’t just add prestige, it brings the money and attraction needed to sign the kind of players Rodgers has been asking for. Without it, Celtic face a real struggle in the transfer market.
Rodgers’ aim to move the team forward is obvious, but his plans are being held back by slow signings and doubts over key players. Idah’s future is only one part of the problem, the squad still needs major investment before the window closes.
Fans are running out of patience. After last season’s double, they expected the board to give Rodgers proper backing. Instead, rivals have strengthened while Celtic slipped up at the first big European test.
In short, Lennon’s words are a warning. If Celtic don’t act fast and with purpose, this season could be remembered not for progress, but for missed chances and lowered expectations.
