It is fair to say that this has been a tough few weeks for Celtic. Falling 11 points behind Rangers in the league and exiting both the Europa League and League Cup over the course of a few days lead to fans demanding that Neil Lennon be sacked as manager.
However, the board stuck with the Irishman and now, he is preparing his side for a game against the Serie A leaders, AC Milan. With two wins in eleven, Lennon struggled in recent weeks but he named a strong side to play in the 17:55 Kick Off.
Although some supporters are not happy as they react to the Starting XI.
Imagine putting a full strength team out knowing failure to win on Sunday and the league is over!!
— Mon the Hoops 🍀🇮🇪 (@cmonthehoops111) December 3, 2020
Brown starting in a dead rubber Europa League match sums up where we are and why change is desperately needed.
This has to be Lennon's last game in charge.
— The Cynic (@90MinuteCynic) December 3, 2020
👀🤔👀🤔😱.. No fringe players… We're out so why play full team.. Oh ye we don't want pumped, but if playing the same formation as we did against Dross County it sure as hell ain't gonna be pretty… Oh well, Cmon Celtic 🍀 let's see it bit of passion and pride in that jersey💚 https://t.co/kyaxQMKAXH
— Κυριος Γλασκώβη 🍀 (@cretebhoy) December 3, 2020
I reckon Lennon is playing such a strong team in the hope it minimalizes the potential battering that could unfold.
Whether or not he'd be sacked for losing heavily tonight is doubtful but I think he's taking every precaution he can to try and minimise that even slim risk.
— Celtic Thoughts (@celtic_thoughts) December 3, 2020
Come on Bhoys let's restore some pride and fight for that jersey HH
— Celtic Gossip (@CelticGossip) December 3, 2020
Celtic have the joint worse defensive record in the Europa League with 13 goals conceded across the four games so far.
Lennon will want the players to respond to him and to prove that they are fighting for him after what has been incredibly tough. He said that he needs a cultural change and a win tonight or even a performance that would help appease the fans. Some, rightfully, make the point that the side have to play on Sunday versus St Johnstone.