Lennon risked managerial career in Celtic return says ex-boss Strachan | OneFootball

GORDON STRACHAN has claimed that Neil Lennon risked his managerial reputation by returning to Celtic following Brendan Rodgers’ abrupt departure to Leicester City in February last year. Strachan, who spent three seasons as Celtic manager, knows the pressures of the job and that had Lennon failed to deliver 9IAR, he would have been ‘finished’ in the game.

Speaking to BBC Sportsound, Strachan praised Lennon’s mentality for stepping in for Celtic, placing his own reputation on the line and delivering for Celtic. Strachan was the man that brought Lennon back to Celtic as a coach and now has

“When Neil first came back, it wasn’t unanimous – there were a few doubters there.

“Obviously it was a lot better than what I got but it wasn’t that great. It wasn’t unanimous.

“He’s obviously thinking to himself ‘If I take this job, and fail, that’s me finished’.

“What he’s done – we all know he had that drive as a player – but to have it as a manager is a completely different thing. He had to deal with ‘am I going to lose this nine in a row?’

“When it got that edgy time around new year, he’s dusted himself down with his players and blew the opposition away.

“That shows that he’s got mental strength, intelligence and can deal with anything coming.

“You’re on your own at times and you have to get through things on your own.”

Since Lennon’s return, Celtic have won four trophies including a record equalling 9-in-a-row. Despite many not wanting Lennon to return, the Irishman has proven that he is the right man for the job.

An incredible showing in the Europa League, a winning streak after New Years and a Betfred Cup win over Rangers have all shown Lennon’s mental strength as manager and despite a defeat to Rangers and Livingston blotting the form book of the 2019/20 season,  Celtic have played some incredible football this season – moving on from Brendan Rodgers’ occasionally passive possession football to Lennon’s fast, attractive attacking football.

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