Thursday, 31st July, 2014
Former Celtic manager Neil Lennon has defended Ronny Deila after the Bhoys suffered a defeat last night in their Champions League qualifier.
The Hoops suffered a demoralising 4-1 loss in the first leg of their Champions League third round qualifier away to Legia Warsaw, even having a man sent off.
The former Celtic manager feels that new boss Deila was afforded very little time to prepare his team for the “tricky” Champions League qualifiers, and so defeat was always possible.
"I think it might have been on the cards. Ronny Deila has really not had enough time to bed himself in”, the Northern Irishman told BBC Radio 5 live.
“Those qualifiers are really tricky and it took me a year or two. It can happen.”
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Lennon feels that Celtic can still mount a comeback in the home leg, but they will have to put in a much better performance next week.
He further added that qualifying for the Champions League is very important for both the Celtic players and the fans.
“They are not out of the tie, but they will have to play supremely well to get through.
"The Champions League is always important for Celtic, it gives the fans and players something to look forward to.”
With an eye on redemption, Celtic will take on Legia Warsaw in the second leg of their Champions League qualifier at Murrayfield on Wednesday.
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