NEIL LENNON has revealed he would have understood if Celtic had sacked him after the loss to Ross County on Sunday.
The beleaguered Hoops boss had just seen his team exit the Betfred League Cup, a trophy they had been their property for the previous four years, to depart their third trophy in three months, following the dismissals from the Champions League and Europa League.
Lennon was already under massive pressure after the nine-in-a-row champions dropped 11 points behind Steven Gerrard’s Ibrox side in the Premiership, although they have two crucial games in hand.
Two wins in their last 10 matches prompted some unruly scenes outside Parkhead on Sunday night as some raging fans screamed for the Irishman to be axed.
However, Lennon has remained in place and will be in charge again when the club take on AC Milan at the San Siro tomorrow night with a 5.55pm kick-off.
The gaffer admitted he was “very grateful” to retain the backing of club supremo Dermot Desmond and chief executive Peter Lawwell, who issued a statement last night urging unity, as CQN reported.
Asked if he thought it was all over for him after the downfall against the Dingwall outfit, Lennon, speaking to the media, replied: “Not in my heart of hearts, but I could understand if that would have been the case, yes.
“I am very grateful. They are not a board that sack managers for the sake of it.
“We have had great success, we are going through a tough time, but they don’t leave you out in the lurch.”
Lennon will now try to get the players back on track against the Serie A cracks who won 3-1 in Glasgow last month after another sloppy performance from the Hoops.
He added: “There is great support here. Great support from supporters, letters, emails. There has been great support from other managers in the game and the League Managers Association who have seen it all before and who probably deal with it on a daily basis.
“It is really encouraging and comforting and I have had great support from the players, as well.”
