2020 VISION

Neil Lennon is looking forward to the challenges ahead in the new year after an impressive first half of the season for his team

- Tony Connelly

THE first half of the season could hardly have gone any better for Celtic and Neil Lennon, with some exceptional performances, an impressive Europa League campaign and the first trophy of the 2019/20 season.

However, the focus at the club is always on the next game and the next challenge, and so, looking ahead to 2020, the Celtic manager is looking for his players to continue on the extraordinary journey they’re currently on.

Speaking exclusively to the Celtic View Christmas issue, Neil Lennon reflected on the first half of the season while also looking forward to the challenges that lie ahead, domestically and in Europe.

“It’s been a tremendous first half of the season,” the Hoops boss said. “In the league, we’ve been tremendously consistent and have a 100 per cent record at home, which is so important.

“Overall, I think we’ve exceeded our expectations in the first half of the season. People take for granted that, domestically, we’re going to be the kings but we can’t do that. Consistency-wise, the players have been magnificent, and we already have a trophy in the cabinet. Psychologically, that’s a great lift for us and will be positive for the second half of the season.

“The European run has been magnificent too, and the players have got a huge kick out of that so far. We’ve played against so many good teams and beaten them, and beaten them well. If you look at the form Lazio have been on – they beat Juventus 3-1 recently and we’ve beaten them twice. You can’t read too much into it but it bodes well for the remainder of the season.”