Neil Lennon believes Celtic can break through their long-standing Champions League barrier and go beyond the last 16 stage — if Brendan Rodgers is given the right backing.
The former Hoops boss, who famously led the club to the last 16 back in the 2012/13 campaign, reckons Rodgers has the credentials and the financial muscle behind him to take Celtic further than they’ve been able to go in recent European history.
Celtic reached the knockout play-offs this season after finishing 21st in the new-look league phase of the competition. However, their European run was halted by Bayern Munich, despite a gutsy two-legged effort that saw Rodgers’ men just seconds away from forcing extra time.
Lennon, speaking on the Scottish Football Social Club, said: “I think they’ll back him. That’s why Brendan came back in the first place and they spent big in the summer.
“The last 16 has been the glass ceiling since my time, since Gordon Strachan. I think it can be broken and they’ve got the financial power to do that. They’ve also got the manager to do that.”
Celtic’s ambition to make a bigger dent in Europe is clear. Whether the summer recruitment matches that intent remains to be seen, but with Rodgers in charge and Lennon’s backing, the expectation is building for Celtic to take the next step.
Brendan Rodgers has made it clear that he intends to bring some players into the club during the summer, with the aim of progressing in Europe. Celtic showed that they can compete this season, but the fans and the manager want more, and there’s no reason why Celtic can’t dream.
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