Celtic reaction: A good night’s work says Lennon but tougher tasks to come

Ferencvaros or Djurgardens up next for Scottish champions
Christopher Jullien makes it 3-0 for Celtic against KR Reykjavik. Picture: Mark Scates / SNS Christopher Jullien makes it 3-0 for Celtic against KR Reykjavik. Picture: Mark Scates / SNS
Christopher Jullien makes it 3-0 for Celtic against KR Reykjavik. Picture: Mark Scates / SNS

Celtic manager Neil Lennon expressed his satisfaction at his team’s comprehensive 6-0 win over KR Reykjavik in the first qualifying round of the Champions League and feels it sets them up perfectly for what he expects to be a far tougher test against Ferencvaros or Djurgardens next week.

Two goals by Mohamed Elyounoussi, along with an own goal and further strikes by Christopher Jullien, Greg Taylor and Odsonne Edouard saw Lennon’s side swat their Icelandic opponents aside at Celtic Park. They are scheduled to be at home for another single leg tie in the second qualifying round against the winners of tonight’s match between the champions of Hungary and Sweden in Budapest.

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After his team’s last two Premiership games were postponed following full-back Boli Bolingoli’s breach of Covid-19 protocol, Lennon appreciated the value of their return to action.

“It was a good night’s work,” said Lennon. “It was really important to get 90 minutes’ work into the legs and obviously to negotiate the tie as well. To score six goals and keep a clean sheet is very good. I’m pleased with a lot of what I saw tonight.

“We asked them at half-time not to let up after being 3-0 up. Any lethargy or lack of match practice, they need to get through it. I’ve been there myself.

“So it’s important to try to increase the intensity and get the games into their legs. We’ll see how they are on Thursday but they should get a benefit from that. We’ve got a big couple of weeks coming up now so it’s important we keep our focus.

“There were a lot of good positives to come out of that. It sets us up nicely for the weekend at Dundee United and obviously for the next round in the Champions League next week.

“I don’t really have any preference who we play. They are two well-organised teams. I’ve been impressed with Ferencvaros from what I’ve seen from them so far.

“It will be interesting to watch the game on Wednesday night, I think it will be tight. It’s going to be difficult for us, no matter who we play.”

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