Paul Lambert Reflects On Jozef Venglos’ Departure

Former Celtic midfielder Paul Lambert has discussed his time under Jozef Venglos, who managed the Hoops from 1998 until 1999.

Despite only managing the club for one season, the Champions League winner had only positive things to say about Venglos.

Lambert said: [The Undr The Cosh podcast], “Jozef came in and he was a really top guy, a nicer guy you couldn’t wish to meet.

“I think Celtic was too much pressure for him because he came in at an older age. The best thing he did was bring Lubomir Moravcik in. He was so good, you couldn’t tell what his strongest foot was. He was brilliant.

“But that job was excruciating for Jozef. To be fair, we beat Rangers 5-1 on Lubo’s debut. That bought a wee bit of time, but the job was too much for him.”

Moravcik’s Celtic legacy, in particular, eclipsed that of Venglos, with his signing looked back upon as one of the best value signings in the History of the club, given his contributions in later seasons.

In four years, he won two Scottish Premier Leagues, one Scottish Cup, and two Scottish League Cups during his time at Paradise.

Johan Mjallby also proved to be a shrewd signing during Venglos’ season at Celtic.

The Swedish defender, like Moravcik, played a huge part in the Hoops’ success over the next six years.

Mjallby even started the UEFA Cup final in 2003 under Martin O’Neill.

One thing is clear: Venglos did a lot of good at Celtic.

Although he did not win any trophies during his season at the club, he did bring in two players, Moravcik and Mjallby, who were huge parts of one of the most successful and enjoyable periods in years later.