Celtic will be going into the new season with a lot of expectations especially after their brilliant campaign last time around. They managed to win a Scottish double after a long time, while also making it into the knockout stages of the Champions League. Manager Neil Lennon is aware that expectations are high going into the new season, but he is still remaining calm. Unlike in previous seasons, Lennon has said that he is not nervous like last season. Celtic were going into the new campaign last time around with a lot of nervousness in order to get into the Champions League group stages.
Even though they only recently faced such a similar qualifying match, Lennon has said that they are achievements of last season has enabled them to relax a little. Prior to last season, Celtic were not seen in this stage of the competition for four years. There was a lot of speculation that Lennon could leave Celtic for Premier league outfit Everton, but he has decided to stay at the Scottish club for the time being. For now, his thoughts will be on replacing star striker Gary Hooper, who was recently sold to Norwich city.
Hooper has been one of the best players for Celtic over the last few years and his presence will be sorely missed according to Lennon.
“I’ve been to hell and back in the last seven weeks trying to get this right. There is a fear factor and I lived with that. I’ve been thinking of the ramifications if we don’t go through, what it would mean for me, how I’d get through it and how I would get over it. I’m not as bad but I don’t know if that’s a good or a bad thing. I quite like it when I’m a bit on edge,” said Lennon.