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Chris Sutton has had his say on Celtic’s managerial situation ahead of the Old Firm, and he’s got it absolutely spot on.
The Bhoys welcome Rangers to Parkhead on Sunday, leaving the word “welcome” open to interpretation of course, in a match that should put the nail in the coffin of the Gers’ season.
Lennon has guided Celtic ten points clear of their arch-rivals, and Sutton has said what the gaffer must do to turn his interim post into a permanent one.
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What did he say?
“Is it his first big challenge? No, I think he has been challenged,” Sutton told BBC Radio 5 Live (27/03/19, 20:30). “I think that the early fixtures under him, Hibs and Hearts away, were extremely difficult fixtures and Aberdeen who pushed them.
“I think it’s his most important challenge. I think it’s just as big for Steven Gerrard – I think in terms of Neil Lennon getting the job, he needs to beat Rangers and beat them in style.”
Spot on
Plenty have reckoned that a win in the derby would hand Lennon the job for next season, but Sutton has raised the bar for the boss, and he’s absolutely right.
With all due respect to the Gers, Celtic have been dominating this rivalry for quite some time, and they don’t need a manager who can scrape wins against their old foes.
What the Bhoys want is a manager who will not only dominate domestically but also make some noise in Europe, and the Old Firm is the only game in Scotland that can match the pressure and intensity of a Champions League night under the lights.
Coming out and Sunday and ripping the Gers to shreds would show that Lennon is still hungry and looking to improve, rather than just steadying the ship until someone better comes along.
