Neil Lennon’s unexpected admission about Celtic performance

Celtic might have walked out with a 5-0 away at Ross County but Neil Lennon has made an unexpected admission about his team’s performance.

In the end Celtic’s five goal victory at Ross County was emphatic and satisfying in both result and some great individual performances. But Neil Lennon had to shake things up at half time to get his players on song.

The Sun reports Lennon’s post match comments and reveals there was a rant from the boss at half time. The first half ended in Celtic’s favour after an early Odsonne Edouard penalty and another goal from Albian Ajeti. Yet although they were behind, Ross County had plenty of possession in that half and at times were encouraged on by the Hoops. Lennon took action at the break:

"“I had to have a word with the players at half time.“We were just too passive for my liking and a little bit slow tempo with the ball and that’s not the way we want to play.”"

Having made that intervention and adjusted the formation and play throughout the second half, Lennon and the fans were much happier with the performance and the result:

"“Second half was a lot better. We closed the distances a lot better.“There were a lot of positives.”"

Indeed there were. Lennon called out several of the team. Clearly delighted with Shane Duffy’s debut goal Lennon made the point that both Duffy and fellow scorer Albian Ajeti still need more game time and will have even more to offer in the games ahead.

There were a couple of players with rather odd question marks against them before the match. Vasilios Barkas had some rather unfair criticism laid out in the media and eyebrows have been raised on Patryk Klimala’s fitness and ability. Both players answered their critics on the pitch. A goal from Klimala and some great saves from Barkas made their point. Lennon underlined their performances too:

"“I thought my goalkeeper had a fine game when called upon, he had some good saves.”"

Although Duffy got the Man of the Match award perhaps on sentimental and debut goal factors, many others would have had Barkas as their MoTM choice. An odd selection in a 5 goal clean win, but the clean sheet speaks volumes for the Celtic keepers performance and will boost his confidence too.

Klimala worked hard, created goal chances and put one away as good strikers should. Sure he missed an opportunity, but perhaps that was an unexpected chance to shoot after some great footwork and strength from Odsonne Edouard to play him in.  Lennon had words of encouragement for his striker too, evidently building more confidence along the way:

"“Klimala looked great. You can see the hunger he’s got in him, the power.“I said to to Patryk not to worry about his miss – probably wouldn’t have scored it either!“Again, he’s another one who needs to polish off a few rough edges. But since he’s come back I’ve been really pleased with him.”"

A great win, 5 separate scorers, the chance to use the squad and get some legs rested alongside the likes of Turnbull and Soro getting some match time. New players like Duffy and Ajeti continuing to build fitness and scoring goals, and other great performances from key players. Celtic can take a lot to learn from the match too.

A very decent all round performances with Lennon delighted. It’s great to see his honesty about stepping in at half time to make his demands of the players very clear.