SM
Friday, November 8
Upcoming predictions and previews

Neil Lennon hopes help from psychologist can give Celtic "another edge"

:Headline: Neil Lennon hopes help from psychologist can give Celtic 'another edge': ID:414893: from db_amp
The Hoops failed to qualify for the Champions League for the third campaign in a row this season and have sought aid from a psychologist.

Neil Lennon has confirmed Celtic will elicit help from a psychologist if it gives the players "another edge".

The Hoops failed to qualify for the Champions League for the third campaign in a row this season and in a wide-ranging interview published in The Athletic, principal shareholder Dermot Desmond spoke of a "psychological blockage" and "fear factor" in relation to Europe.

The Celtic manager does not believe mentality was an issue in the 2-1 defeat by Ferencvaros at Parkhead in the second qualifying round last month.

Celtic were knocked out of the Champions League qualifying rounds by Ferencvaros (Andrew Milligan/PA)

However, he recognises the potential benefits of an improved frame of mind.

"We are always looking to find another edge," said Lennon, whose side will travel to play the winners of the Sarajevo versus Buducnost Podgorica tie in the Europa League play-off, if they get past Riga in Latvia next week.

"I wouldn't just put it down to the European scenario, I'd put it down to all-encompassing, whether it be domestic or European.

Celtic principal shareholder Dermot Desmond, left, wants Champions League football (Ian Rutherford/PA)

"Touching back on the Ferencvaros game I felt we were very unlucky. I don't think it was anything to do with the players' mindset.

"We've equalised, we've hit the bar, we've had a goal disallowed and then we just lost concentration for a split second.

"So it was one that got away from us and you look at the this team over a period of time, mentally, they're very, very strong and they have handled big occasions and big moments very, very well.

"But we're still looking to try and improve as best we can and if that means looking at the psychological side of it, then we will.

Neil Lennon looking for an extra edge for his players (Jane Barlow/PA)

"I spoke to Dermot, I spoke to Peter (Lawwell, chief executive) I spoke to the board, we've covered all aspects from the bosses upstairs. It can be individually or it can be as a group.

"We're looking at a few sort of scenarios where we may introduce it to the group or we may introduce it to certain individuals but it's an ongoing process and it's been something in the offing for over a year."

Desmond also claimed that the changing football landscape due to the coronavirus pandemic could open the door to a British League with the involvement of Rangers and Celtic.

Lennon, still looking to bring in one more player before the transfer window closes in October, was reluctant to make too much of what is an old chestnut of an idea.

Neil Lennon will wait and see on any British League (Jeff Holmes/PA)

The Northern Irishman said: "That may be the case, we don't really know how the landscape is going to look, if and when this pandemic ends.

"I know it's been touched upon many, many times before but there's been a lot of hurdles to overcome.

"I can't sort of give you a definitive answer on that one way or the other. We'll just have to wait and see what the future brings.

On the Europa League draw, Lennon said: "We're away so again it's difficult.

"Riga won this morning by the odd goal so we will do all our prep work.

"It is important that we have Europa League football going into the first half of the season. So hopefully we can negotiate Riga and then we'll see.

"We played Sarajevo before, we had a couple of decent results against them.

"It could have been a lot worse, the draw, but could have been a lot better as well."

amp_article__414893 : Database Data restored...  : 
last updated article - 2020-09-18 15:30:21:
html db last update - 2020-09-18 15:30:21 :

ex - 7200 : read : read cache amp html

Click here for more stories about Neil Lennon

Click here for more stories about Celtic

Share this article now:
Read more about Neil Lennon Football
Recommended Next on SM
Premier League Table
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Celtic109102932628
2Aberdeen109102091128
3RangersRangers10613158719
4Dundee UnitedDundee Utd114431513216
5Motherwell105141313016
6Dundee113351720-312
7St Mirren123361521-612
8Kilmarnock113351523-812
9Ross County122641018-812
10St Johnstone123181525-1010
11Hearts122371419-59
12Hibernian111551016-68
Scroll for more - Tap for full version


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
AL
Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!

Loading ...

Failed to load data.



. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .