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Neil Lennon replies to the 'hysteria' following Celtic's European defeat and says he has the makings of a very good team

Neil Lennon wants to bounce back from midweek defeat to CFR Cluj with a strong performance against Dunfermline in the Scottish League Cup - Getty Images Europe
Neil Lennon wants to bounce back from midweek defeat to CFR Cluj with a strong performance against Dunfermline in the Scottish League Cup - Getty Images Europe

Although he was the target of a barrage of criticism from apoplectic Celtic fans about their team’s dismissal from the Champions League qualifiers in a 4-3 home defeat by CFR Cluj, Neil Lennon has had worse days in the job.

He was not alone in being excoriated on anti-social media – the Parkhead board and chief executive, Peter Lawwell, also got it in the neck – but Lennon’s first spell in charge provided him with ballast that can be used to steady the ship amidst its latest buffeting.

It was on October 15, 2009 that Celtic were 3-0 down at Kilmarnock at half-time, when Lennon warned his players that his job was on the line.  After the break, a spectacular recovery brought a 3-3 draw and can now be seen as the turning point of a campaign in which the Hoops overhauled Rangers’ 15-point advantage to lead the table going into 2012 and ultimately acquire the first of eight successive championships.

“That was about a whole season - this is one game,” Lennon said, when the memory was evoked ahead of Sunday's Betfred Scottish Cup tie at home to Dunfermline Athletic. “There is a little bit more hysteria these days. You have to keep a level head and a sense of perspective.

“The analysis of the game against Cluj is that we didn’t play well in the first half and then we were outstanding in the second half. We got ourselves in the lead twice and then just gave Cluj oxygen - particularly at 2-1 when we were pretty rampant, so we have to marry the two halves together more.

Hatem Abd Elhamed of Celtic reacts at full time during the UEFA Champions League, third qualifying round, second leg match between Celtic and CFR Cluj at Celtic Park on August 13, 2019 - Credit: Getty Images
Celtic lost 4-3 at home to CFR Cluj to end their hopes of qualifying for the Champions League Credit: Getty Images

“I think we have the makings of a very good team here. Up until Tuesday, we were all delighted with the start we had made. This is a setback - we have to lick our wounds, come back and keep improving, because we still have a bit to do.

“I can understand people wanting to have a stick to beat me with in terms of team selection but, while I’m not huge on stats, we scored three goals at home which I would have taken before the game. We had 20-odd attempts at goal and dominated possession. As a manager, you particularly look to attempts at goal because that’s when you know it is working.

“We were flat or a little bit passive in the first half, which is not what we want from the team. We analysed it this morning for 15 minutes and let the players see for themselves what we are looking for, especially in the first half. At Celtic Park on a European night, we have to be at full throttle.

“I am excited about this team despite losing to Cluj. Domestically, it’s certainly the best start I have ever made as a manager, albeit it’s only two games but we had also been very good in the European games. We just had one bad half of football and it’s cost us.”

Celtic still have the chance of a place in the Europa League group stage but before they face Legia Warsaw in the play-off they must placate a sceptical home crowd by resuming their impressive domestic form against Dunfermline. Much has been made of Lennon’s decision to leave £10 million’s worth of defensive talent on the bench on Tuesday, in the form of Christopher Jullien and Boli Bolingoli.

Of Bolingoli, Lennon said: “I don’t think he realised how intense life was going to be or the expectations of the club, but he’ll grow into that.” As for Jullien, who was notably sulky in the aftermath of the Cluj defeat, Lennon observed: “He’s French, isn’t he? That’s a natural look.”

Both newcomers will likely start against Dunfermline, while Scott Bain is out because of a thumb injury. Celtic have been linked with Fraser Forster and even David de Gea and, although Lennon declined to indulge speculation, he confirmed that summer recruitment has not finished.

Dunfermline’s near neighbours, East Fife, are at home to Rangers on Sunday. The Ibrox side are buoyant after their 7-3 aggregate Europa League win over FC Midtjylland and will shuffle their pack, with Jermain Defoe, Jordan Jones and Joe Aribo likely to start.

Aberdeen, who lost home and away to Rijeka of Croatia in the Europa League, also travel tomorrow and will face Dundee at Dens Park, a potentially awkward fixture for the Dons. Kilmarnock, who were Scotland’s first Europa League casualties last month, are at home to Hamilton, who added to their woes with a 2-0 win at the Fountain of Youth Stadium last week.

In Saturday's other Betfred Cup ties, Forfar meet Livingston and Hibs are at home to Greenock Morton, while Partick Thistle face Ross County at Firhill.