The Irishman stated that he was the angrier he has ever been at halftime in football, and Lennon understands why.
Brendan Rodgers may have feared Celtic’s season was at a tipping point at St Johnstone – and he was right to dig his players out.
That’s the view of former Hoops boss Neil Lennon who reckons the direction of the campaign was hanging in the balance when Rodgers’ men went in to the break at McDiarmid Park one nil down. The second half turnaround ensured the Scottish Premiership leaders kept their advantage over Rangers intact but only after the Irishman, who admitted it was the angriest he has ever been in a dressing room at the interval, had read the riot act to the squad.
Lennon admits it’s not in the 50-year-old’s character, but that he earned his crust by digging out the slow coaches in his side. The former Hoops boss believes, however, that the onus is on the January window for the Parkhead powerbrokers to do quality business despite some potential downsides to their plans.
He told PLZ Soccer: “It’s interesting hearing Brendan’s comment. I think he may have seen that as a tipping point to be honest, he may have been thinking if we come away with a draw or defeat here, there’s only one way we’re going at the minute. Drawing with Motherwell, losing to Lazio another insipid performance.
“He’s earned his money on Sunday, rolled his sleeves up and dug a few of them out. He made some positive changes, and the second half they really were good. The quality in the movement and the goals was great. It’s not his way, but he was irked that much it’s coming from somewhere.”
On Rodgers admitting he wanted transfers in the summer, he added: “Oh really? It’s not a good look. They have to look at January but I’m telling you it’s difficult to do business in January…there’s going to have to be quality work. It’s obvious to everyone that Brendan wants more quality players in the building.”
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