Chris Sutton comments on Neil Lennon’s future as Celtic lose to Sparta Prague

Add as preferred source on Google

Chris Sutton has told BT Sport’s Europa League highlights show (Thursday, 10.30pm) that he “can’t stick up for Neil Lennon” after the Celtic manager watched his side suffer a second successive 4-1 defeat to Sparta Prague.

The Scottish champions were knocked out of the Europa League at the group stage on Thursday night, with just one point from four Europa League matches so far. With pressure now enormous on Lennon, he watched his side capitulate after going ahead.

Odsonne Edouard opened the scoring with a sublime finish, but from that point on, there was only going to be one winner. Sparta Prague went into the half-time break 2-1 up and then scored two late goals to win 4-1.

Celtic, under Lennon, have won just twice in their last nine games – and the Green Brigade’s banner outside the stadium has only ramped up the pressure. Sutton – who is close with Lennon – claimed the manager’s comments were “delusional”.

“I watched the whole interview and some of the stuff was delusional,” Sutton said. “I don’t know where he goes from here. He’s my mate, but I can’t stick up for him. You can’t be knocked out of the Europa League after four matches. It was a hopeless performance, he’s in big trouble.”

TBR’s view – Sutton has hit the nail on the head, can Lennon go again?

Lennon is now in the position where another one or two bad results can affect his future. The Hoops play host to Ross County on the weekend and it would be a huge shock if they fail to get a win – but then take on AC Milan next Thursday.

With Celtic knocked out of the Europa League, the game against Milan is somewhat meaningless. But for Lennon’s future, it could mean everything. He needs to get his players onside to save his spell in charge – but he is certainly hanging by a thread.