Celtic manager Neil Lennon is delighted the players have overcome ‘negativity and fake news’ to win an eighth successive Scottish league title this season.
The Hoops stormed to a 3-0 win at Pittodrie on Saturday afternoon to put the league beyond doubt, with goals from Mikael Lustig, Jozo Simunovic and Odsonne Edouard thrilling supporters.
It’s been a rocky road to get there this season with much drama on and off the pitch, but the Bhoys have done it again in the Scottish Premiership, much to their credit.
Lennon was obviously in great spirits after the match, reminding everyone how difficult it has been to get over the line and paying tribute to his predecessor.
As quoted by The Daily Record, he said:
I have to pay tribute to Brendan (Rodgers). He has to get a huge amount of credit. This title success is down to the foundations he laid here. I was lucky enough to carry it on.
It’s been really tough. It’s been the toughest piece of management for me. I know from the outside people think it looks easy.
But it’s basically been coming in on your own and picking up. There was a lot of discontent around the club. It’s a real privilege for me to be here as interim manager, or as any manager.
With all the emotions of what happened this week with Billy’s funeral we had to keep calm.
There was a lot of negativity around us and a lot of fake news. But the players have kept their focus really well.
With another prize on the immediate horizon in the form of the Scottish Cup, there is no let up for Lennon and his squad, with many fans expecting the team to secure a famous ‘treble treble’ of domestic trophies.
That final against Hearts at Hampden will come at the end of the month and could go a long way towards determining whether Lennon gets the permanent job or not.
Whether he does, or doesn’t, it can’t be denied he’s done a superb job to keep this Celtic side marching towards success.
The departure of Rodgers brought massive turbulence and Lennon steadied the ship as well as anyone could have.
Do you want Neil Lennon to be Celtic manager next season? Have your say in the comments below…