"I don't want to be compared to Brendan" - Neil Lennon returns to Celtic
by Jack Kitson / 27 February 2019, 11:11TweetNeil Lennon is back at Celtic for the first time in five years after the 47-year-old was named as Brendan Rodgers’ interim replacement through to the end of the season.
In his previous spell Lennon led the Hoops to a hat-trick of SPL titles, and a couple of Scottish Cup successes, during his four-year tenure. An uneventful stint at Bolton followed, before he returned to Scotland with Hibernian, with whom he led up to the top-flight in 2017.
Lennon, who left Hibs in confusing circumstances last month, now has the chance to lead Celtic to a treble-treble. Former boss Rodgers scooped every domestic trophy on offer during his two-and-a-half-year tenure, including the League Cup this term.
Celtic are currently eight points clear at the summit of the table, with Lennon’s first game away to Hearts tonight, followed by a tasty Scottish FA Cup duel away to former club Hibernian on Saturday.
"I've got big shoes to fill, obviously, but I'm looking forward to the challenge, very much so," said Lennon in his first press conference.
"Brendan Rodgers raised the bar, certainly in terms of trophies. Everybody's talking about 10 [titles in a row], I just want to get to eight.
"I've mellowed since I last took over, but I've still got the energy and the will to win.
“I don't want to be compared to Brendan. He has his way and it's been fantastic, and I have my way. I'm always learning and that will go on.
"I'll keep the current style, and I don't think it's too different to what I do. Attacking football is the DNA of the club."
As for the permanent job in the summer...
"I'm not even thinking about that,” said Lennon.
#CelticFC manager Neil Lennon and assistant manager John Kennedy ahead of today's media conference at Paradise.
— Celtic Football Club (@CelticFC) February 27, 2019
Welcome home, Neil ????⚪️ pic.twitter.com/HX1eV7EzpN
