Neil Lennon points finger at Celtic players after Europa League defeat

Neil Lennon believes Celtic’s players must shoulder much of the responsibility after their disappointing Europa League defeat to Ferencvaros.

The former Celtic manager was working as a co-commentator as Ferencvaros secured a convincing 3-1 victory at Celtic Park, leaving Martin O’Neill’s side with plenty to reflect on.

Celtic Park was once renowned as one of European football’s most difficult grounds for visiting teams, particularly during O’Neill’s first spell in charge and later under Lennon.

During that era, Celtic produced memorable home victories against sides such as Rosenborg, Porto and Juventus in the Champions League. Lyon and Anderlecht were also beaten before Bayern Munich left Glasgow with a goalless draw.

The recent record has been considerably less impressive. Last season, Braga, Stuttgart and Roma all won at Celtic Park, while Kairat Almaty managed a 0-0 draw in the Champions League play-off.

That contrast has understandably fuelled frustration among sections of the Celtic support, particularly given the club’s strong financial position following another profitable transfer window.

However, Lennon believes the immediate problems displayed against Ferencvaros were primarily down to what happened on the pitch.

Lennon puts Celtic players under scrutiny

Lennon knows the pressure that comes with managing Celtic, having been appointed permanently on two occasions after initially taking temporary charge.

Speaking for TNT Sports, he was particularly critical of the players’ performance and insisted they needed to accept responsibility for the result.

As reported by the Daily Record, Lennon pointed towards the amount of experience available within the Celtic squad and questioned their ability to manage difficult moments during matches.

He highlighted decision-making and a perceived lack of responsibility both in and out of possession as areas that need to improve.

Lennon also pointed to previous difficult performances, including the defeats away to LASK and Rangers, suggesting that similar problems have surfaced repeatedly.

The former boss acknowledged that managers will inevitably face questions after poor results, but noted that O’Neill had made four changes to freshen up his team against Ferencvaros.

Despite those alterations, Lennon felt the response on the pitch remained largely unchanged.

Celtic have little time to find answers

The manner of the defeat will only increase scrutiny surrounding Celtic, particularly after Ferencvaros turned a competitive contest into a comfortable victory in a matter of minutes.

Celtic had managed to draw level, but within around five minutes they had conceded twice more and suddenly found themselves 3-1 behind.

That collapse highlighted some of the concerns surrounding the current side and left O’Neill facing further questions.

There will inevitably be wider debate about recruitment, squad construction and the decisions being made at board level. However, Lennon believes the players must also accept their share of the responsibility.

The scale of the challenge ahead is significant. Celtic still have seven Europa League fixtures to play, with Benfica waiting on October 15 before Celta Vigo visit Glasgow.

Both opponents will provide another substantial test for a Celtic side that needs to rediscover some consistency.

O’Neill has immediate chance to respond

Before those European challenges arrive, O’Neill has the opportunity to change the mood when Celtic face Rangers on Sunday.

The Old Firm meeting comes at a crucial moment for Celtic, with the club already dealing with increased scrutiny following a series of disappointing performances.

A victory would not necessarily resolve the wider issues surrounding the club, but it could provide some breathing space and interrupt the growing criticism.

Another defeat, however, would leave Celtic facing an extended period of pressure before their next Premiership fixture against Motherwell at Fir Park on October 11.

Whatever happens in the derby, the questions surrounding Celtic are unlikely to disappear overnight. For now, though, O’Neill and his players have an immediate opportunity to provide a response on the pitch.