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'I've got to keep working' | Pressure mounts further on Neil Lennon as they exit Scottish League Cup

Things have gone from bad to worse for Celtic and manager Neil Lennon. The Bhoys were beaten 2-0 ...



'I've got to keep working' | P...
Soccer

'I've got to keep working' | Pressure mounts further on Neil Lennon as they exit Scottish League Cup

Things have gone from bad to worse for Celtic and manager Neil Lennon.

The Bhoys were beaten 2-0 by Ross County on Sunday afternoon in the Scottish League Cup at Parkhead.

Ross Stewart scored for the visitors from the penalty spot in the 39th minute Alex Lacovitti doubled their lead six minutes from time.

Pressure had already been mounting on Lennon before the game.

They were beaten 4-1 in Europe during the week by Sparta Prague and are 11 points adrift of Rangers in the Scottish Premiership table.

Speaking to Premier Sports after Sunday's loss Lennon was frustrated at not just losing the game but also in the familiar manner in which they did.

"A penalty and a set play, it's been the story of our season really. I think that's the seventh penalty that we've conceded.

"The second goal was really poor, it's not even a good delivery - we didn't get first contact and don't get second contact.

"We've gone over it so many times and we're still making the same mistakes. In the final third we had chances, we had total domination of the game.

"We've been in that situation a lot of times but we're not finding the answers at the minute. Our final ball at times today was poor and we lacked that cutting edge."

Lennon suggested that it's tough to be knocked out of any cup competition but perhaps this one will be even tougher considering they look unlikely to win the Premiership this year.

"It's a long, long unbeaten run that's lasted a long, long time.

"We're just in a bad moment at the minute. I've got to be strong, got to be strong for the players. They're devastated in there.

"They felt good going into the game, the body language was good and they've come up short so they're suffering a bit, as well are."

Pressure has been mounting on the 49-year-old, who played with the club for seven years, with many calling for him to go.

He was adamant though at full-time that him going is not the answer and was confident they will turn things around.

"I've to keep working. Wash my face in the morning and go again. There's no sort of bad feeling around the place.

"The players need my support and they're getting it.

"I need to ride this out quickly and we'll turn the corner, it's got to come collectively."

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Celtic Fc Neil Lennon Scottish League Cup