Rangers boss Steven Gerrard comments on Neil Lennon’s Celtic sacking

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Steven Gerrard has told his Rangers press conference ahead of Thursday night’s Europa League clash against Royal Antwerp that he is not surprised by the departure of Neil Lennon, after it was confirmed he has resigned as Celtic manager.

Lennon has left his post after enormous criticism from supporters and pundits alike. The club’s pursuit of 10 in a row has been left in tatters, with Rangers sitting 18 points clear at the top of the Scottish Premiership with only eight league games left.

Rangers need just seven points to claim the title and stop Celtic’s pursuit of 10. Not only have Celtic been poor on the pitch, but off it too. Poor recruitment, and some questionable decisions – including the trip to Dubai – have contributed to Lennon’s exit.

Asked about Lennon’s exit, which was confirmed by Celtic on Wednesday morning, Gerrard responded by stating that he was not surprised in a video published on Clyde 1 Super Scoreboard’s official Twitter account.

“I can’t say I am surprised because obviously what has been going on over there,” Gerrard said. “I take no personal satisfaction from seeing that news, to Neil or to any fellow manager that happens too.

“I wish him well for the future, I only really found out about this morning, but obviously the focus for me sitting here, is on the game tomorrow.”

TBR’s view – Was it all Lennon’s doing?

Absolutely not. Some of the signings were clearly not his decisions – Albian Ajeti, Vasilis Barkas, Diego Laxalt and plenty more have struggled at Parkhead this season. He has also been prevented from bringing in his own staff.

But Lennon is to blame elsewhere. Constantly chopping and changing tactics, poor substitutions, being too soft in the media on his players and failing to get the best out of his best – including Odsonne Edouard during the first half of the campaign.

Lennon was not completely to blame, but change was needed and that means the manager must go.