Lennon: ‘Celtic not gallant losers’

Neil Lennon has warned Celtic don’t want to be seen as “gallant losers” in the Champions League against Milan.

They have been placed in the so-called ‘Group of Death’ with Barcelona and Ajax, but begin the tournament at San Siro on Wednesday night.

“I would love us to win, but, more importantly, I want to see a performance,” he told the Glasgow Evening Times. 

Neil Lennon has warned Celtic don’t want to be seen as “gallant losers” in the Champions League against Milan.

They have been placed in the so-called ‘Group of Death’ with Barcelona and Ajax, but begin the tournament at San Siro on Wednesday night.

“I would love us to win, but, more importantly, I want to see a performance,” he told the Glasgow Evening Times. 

“And I don't want us to be gallant losers, either. I want us to go to the San Siro, play strongly, and play with the maturity we are starting to show.”

The Scottish champions are without James Forrest due to a back injury, while Joe Ledley and Adam Matthews are at risk with a groin and ankle problem respectively.

“I’m very happy to be here,” added Lennon in his Press conference.

“We want to do well in this game and we have to experience to do it. It’ll be a tough game and it’s a tough group.

“I’ve thought long about the line-up and I saw Milan play on Saturday, but I’ve decided not to change our formation and to play as we know how to. We have to focus on the game but we’ve definitely gained from last season’s experience.”

Celtic were knocked out in the second round by Juventus in 2012-13.