Celtic: Manager Neil Lennon issues warning over player exits

 

Celtic manager Neil Lennon has warned players thinking of leaving "they might not get it better anywhere else".

Lennon has expressed concern at losing some players in the summer, with Victor Wanyama and Gary Hooper having already rejected contract offers.

And the Celtic boss also criticised the media, claiming they encouraged speculation over his players' futures.

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“We have made huge strides this season. It will be difficult to replicate that but that's the challenge”

Neil Lennon

"The minute we get a player in it's as if you can't wait for him to go down the road," he said.

"They may not to get to play at such a big club, play in the Champions League and have a chance to win trophies year in, year out."

Wednesday' defeat by Juventus brought Celtic's Champions League campaign to an end, with the Italian side completing a 5-0 aggregate win.

And Lennon has been unhappy with the reaction to Celtic's exit.

"I always talk the game up and other people want to talk the game down in Scotland," he explained.

"I was really disappointed by the headlines yesterday coming back after such a fantastic journey.

"To pick up the back pages of some of the papers and look at all the negativity - that really disappoints me."

Chief executive Peter Lawwell this week said he hoped Lennon would continue as manager "for a long, long time" whilst recognising the 41-year-old may attract interest from other clubs.

"I can't stop speculation of players and myself," responded Lennon. "At this time I am Celtic manager and I don't see any reason for this to change.

"I want to take the club forward. We have made huge strides this season. It will be difficult to replicate that but that's the challenge.

"I am manager of Celtic, one of a privileged few to do this job. I enjoy it."