“It Can’t All Be On The Manager” – Neil Lennon Refuses To Blame Rodgers For Embarassing Defeat

Former Celtic manager and captain Neil Lennon provided commentary for tonight’s 7-1 defeat against Borussia Dortmund at Signal Iduna Park for TNT Sports.

The Irishman remained defiant, insisting that fellow countryman Brendan Rodgers was not at fault for the defeat, instead pointing to the poor performances of the Celtic players in the match.

Lennon said: (TNT Sports), “I’m sorry, you can’t do that at this level. It’s a tough watch, really tough.

“These players have brought a lot of enjoyment but this is a real sore one. It can’t all be on the manager.”

Lennon is ultimately correct; Rodgers cannot be praised for his domestic attacking displays and then criticised for employing the same style in Europe.

It could be argued that a compromise between an all-out approach and a more defensive style would be more suitable against formidable opponents like Dortmund.

However, at 5-1 down at half-time, there was little Rodgers could realistically do to alter the course of the Game during the break.

Having successfully managed Celtic in the Champions League, Lennon is undoubtedly more qualified than most to assess who should be held accountable for tonight’s result.

Rodgers will undoubtedly face criticism for Celtic’s defensive vulnerabilities, but against such a clinical Dortmund side, it was a challenge that the Hoops have not encountered yet this season.