Neil Lennon admits there’s a world of difference between his Celtic teams and Ange Postecoglou’s current crop, who are much quicker than the squad Lennon managed.
The Aussie was Lennon’s permanent successor at Parkhead after the Northern Irishman left in February 2021 as the Hoops’ 10-In-A-Row dream collapsed with Steven Gerrard leading an unbeaten Rangers to their first Scottish Premiership title in a decade. No. 2 John Kennedy stepped into the void until the end of the season before Postecoglou landed the gig, although only after a protracted and ultimately unsuccessful pursuit of Edie Howe.
However, a Premiership and League Cup double in his first season meant Celtic fans weren’t left wondering what might have been as they fully embraced Angeball under the popular Greek-born coach. His playing style is proving difficult to live with as Celtic go into Monday’s derby clash against Rangers at Ibrox nine points clear of their bitter rivals and intent on making that 12.
Lennon is no stranger to trophies adorned with the green and white ribbons and Ange has a bit to go to match his haul as Celtic boss. While both have tasted success, Lennon admits that the way in which it has been achieved is wildly different, and that his successor is doing thighs with more speed than his teams were able to.
But Lennon did pick out one of the recent arrivals under Postecoglou that would have fit in to how his sides liked to play. He said: “The sides that I managed compared to the current side are very different. The current team is smaller and they miss someone like Wanyama or Samaras. Giakoumakis would have fitted into my team though as he is a big centre forward.
“But they have more speed than the team that I had. They’re a great team and Ange has done a great job.
“They’re doing really well in the league and are well on top. They’re a young team and have room to grow as well. They seem like a good group of players too.”
As for how Monday’s clash will pan out, Lennon can't see past his former club and backs them to come out on top in a tighter game than many are predicting. He added: “I think Celtic will win 2-1. Morelos will score for Rangers with Kyogo and O’Riley scoring for Celtic.
“Celtic handle the opposition really well and the physicality of the game too. They also score goals in bunches and handle the derbies really well.
“Ange has an excellent record in the Old Firm as well. Going into the game on the back of a 4-0 win will also give Celtic plenty of confidence. Celtic will look to play at a high intensity, and it is up to Michael Beale to try and stop this.”
Neil Lennon was speaking to BoyleSports.
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