Soccer

Lennon dismisses Schuster's 'ramblings'

Soccer: Celtic manager Neil Lennon has defended his from the scathing criticism of ‘failed coach’ Bernd Schuster

Fri Oct 26 2012 - 01:00

Soccer:Celtic manager Neil Lennon has defended his from the scathing criticism of 'failed coach' Bernd Schuster. The former Barcelona and Real Madrid midfielder said Celtic had no place in the competition after their performance in the 2-1 defeat to Champions League group rivals Barca on Tuesday.

Lennon, it is safe to assume, will not be taking the criticism on board.

“It’s just the ramblings of someone who has failed as a coach,” said the former Hoops skipper today. “I am disappointed that the media here wanted to emphasise his thoughts on the game.

“I was sitting there 60 minutes into the game thinking ‘God what is Bernd Schuster thinking of our performance here, I better change it’.

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“I did go with two strikers and I did bring on James Forrest and Kris Commons. I didn’t set out to be defensive but sometimes Barcelona can get a grip of the opposition and not let go.

“So I don’t take too much notice of Bernd Schuster, I am more into the thoughts of Gordon Strachan, Martin O’Neill and the Alex Ferguson’s of this world, who I would take advice from before anyone else.”

Former West Germany midfielder Schuster, who also managed Real Madrid, said justice was done when Jordi Alba scored an injury-time goal for the home side and added it was “regrettable” Chelsea won the European Cup last season using similar tactics.

“I’m fed up of seeing these types of matches,” he said. “There should not be teams like Celtic in the Champions League.

“We saw it last year with Chelsea. It was a very bad example for football and it is regrettable that they became European champions. You see Celtic defending with 10 men and almost snatching a point - that is not fair.

“I believe the coach of Celtic viewed many times the video of Chelsea last season against Barcelona. He decided to repeat the system, but the ultra-defensive system is not football.

“Chelsea have now generated a school for teams like Celtic to study. It would have been unjust if a team that defended with 10 men had taken one point in the home of the best club in the world.

“Uefa needs to change this phase of the competition if they want to breathe life into the Champions League. Celtic do not merit their place if they are going to play in this style.”