BREAKING NEWS: Neil Lennon Rapid credentials brutalised as Celtic boss… ‘because Rangers didn’t…Read More
Neil Lennon Rapid credentials brutalised as Celtic boss… ‘because Rangers didn’t…Read More
Neil Lennon’s managerial credentials have been fiercely criticized by Rapid Bucharest legend Eugen Neagoe, who claims the Northern Irishman’s success at Celtic came only because Rangers “didn’t exist.” Neagoe, a former player for the Romanian club, didn’t hold back as he explained why he felt Lennon was destined to fail at Rapid, where he was dismissed after just three months without securing a single victory in his first six matches.
Lennon, who had previously managed clubs like Hibernian, Bolton Wanderers, and Omonia Nicosia, took charge of Rapid in the summer. His appointment was met with hope, as the club sought a resurgence in the Romanian league. However, that optimism quickly faded as poor results and lackluster performances raised concerns among fans and the club’s hierarchy. His tenure ended abruptly, and Neagoe believes the writing was on the wall from the beginning.
According to Neagoe, the 57-year-old had little understanding of Romanian football and was therefore unprepared to succeed. “I predicted Lennon wouldn’t last four games because he knows nothing about Romanian football,” Neagoe said. “He actually managed for six, but it was clear from the start that things weren’t going to work out.”
While Neagoe acknowledged Lennon’s accomplishments during his managerial career, he downplayed their significance, especially in the context of his time at Celtic. “Hats off to him for the trophies he won in his career, but remember he won them when Rangers didn’t exist. Celtic were playing alone in the Scottish league,” Neagoe remarked. This statement refers to the period during which Rangers were relegated to the lower leagues following financial difficulties, leaving Celtic with little competition in the Scottish Premiership.
Lennon’s first spell as Celtic manager, from 2010 to 2014, saw him win multiple league titles and domestic trophies. He returned to the club in 2019, leading them to further success, including a historic ninth consecutive league title. However, Neagoe’s comments reflect a view held by some that Celtic’s dominance during that time was largely due to the absence of their fierce rivals, Rangers.
Neagoe also pointed to Lennon’s previous role as manager of Omonia Nicosia in Cyprus, suggesting that his tenure there had not gone well either. “He was the manager of Omonia Nicosia before he came to Rapid, and I played there during my career. I was told by a former colleague of mine that they were all disappointed with what happened there while Lennon was the manager,” Neagoe explained. Lennon’s time at Omonia saw mixed results, and although he led the team to some successes, including a Cypriot Cup win, his departure was shrouded in controversy and dissatisfaction.
Neagoe’s harsh critique of Lennon’s time at Rapid Bucharest centers on the team’s poor performances under his leadership. “Rapid were playing so poorly under him. In fact, I haven’t seen Rapid playing so poorly for a long time,” Neagoe lamented. The club, which has a storied history in Romanian football, struggled during Lennon’s brief spell, and his inability to turn things around ultimately led to his dismissal.
Lennon, who had enjoyed considerable success at Celtic and had earned a reputation as a passionate and determined manager, found his stint in Romania to be a stark contrast to his previous achievements. The challenges of adapting to a new league and a different football culture proved too great, and Neagoe’s comments reflect the disappointment felt by many within the Rapid Bucharest camp.
About The Author
