Celtic fail to reach Champions League group stages
This was the worst possible start to his first full season in charge for newly-appointed manager Neil Lennon. A 2-1 victory over Braga was not enough to prevent Celtic from crashing out of the Champions League qualifying rounds.
Lennon follows in the footsteps of former manager Gordon Strachan, who began life in charge of the Bhoys with a humiliating 5-0 defeat at the hands of Artmedia Bratislava in July 2005.
This latest elimination will have done little to convince the Celtic faithful that Lennon was the best man for the job in the first place. It’s been two years since the Scottish club last won the SPL title; and bridging the gap between themselves and Rangers is their primary aim.
However, progressing to the Champions League group stages would have been a real statement of intent. Their opponents, Braga, were the far better team, though, and deservedly advance to the play-off round.
It was the first leg in Portugal where Celtic were beaten in convincing fashion. A 3-0 deficit was a mountain to climb for Lennon’s side, and the subsequent 2-1 victory at Parkhead ensured that the Scottish outfit drop down to the Europa League for the second successive year.
Another indication of how far Celtic have fallen in recent seasons is the calibre of their latest signings. With all due respect to the likes of Daryl Murphy and Gary Hooper, doubts persist over their abilities to fire the club to glory. And 40-year-old David James’ reluctance to even discuss terms with the club was certainly a damning indictment.
Despite this Champions League exit, Lennon has reason to remain upbeat if Strachan’s reign is anything to go by. At the end of his first campaign in charge, he ended up winning the SPL Manager of the Year award after guiding Celtic to a league and cup double.
The new Celtic boss will be hoping to bounce back in similar style. With a major point to prove this season, Lennon is already under pressure to deliver results.
Anything less than an improved performance in the Europa League qualifiers could see the Celtic board take action, but Lennon is determined to succeed at the club he loves, and will be desperate for the defeat against Braga to be the only lowlight of the season.
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