KRISTOFFER AJER has made the claim Neil Lennon was unhappy with his side at half time during the European match against Kalju last week even though the team was 3 goals to the good.
Celtic went in at half time 3-0 up after goals from Ajer, Christie and Griffiths but the Irishman made sure the bhoys didn’t rest on their laurels for the second half. The Celtic manager made it clear to the Norwegian and the rest of the players they had been slack and they had to up their game in the second half.
It seemed to have the desired effect with Celtic winning 5-0 to take a commanding lead to Estonia.
Ajer was happy with the way Neil Lennon approached them at half time.
“That’s just football. I am used to that from every single team I have been in.” Ajer told SunSport.
“This gaffer is no different — he gives you a clear message when you need it.
“It is healthy for a team to get a wake-up call sometimes.
“At half-time, he spoke to us and it made us even better. You could see that from the first whistle of the second half.
“We were straight on it, so it was good for the team.
“We were 3-0 up when the gaffer spoke to us – but that’s what makes this club special. You can be three goals up, but still be unhappy with the performance.
“There were a few slack moments in the first half and we weren’t happy with that.
“The manager sent a clear message to us and we got better.
“He has put his mark down from day one of coming in.
“He won all the trophies that he could last season and we have had a great start this year.
“He has done fantastic but it’s still early days this year, so we need to keep working.”
Celtic look set to head through to the third qualifying round where they will be up against either Cluj or Maccabi Tel-Aviv.
The club need to remain focused over the next month as they try to negotiate these qualifiers with the SPFL kicking off next week also.
Lennon rant says Ajer? I thought he said he wouldnt do that anymore. He’ll have to be careful considering what happened at Hibs.