Celtic lose more ground
October 30, 2011 14:37:05 UK
Celtic manager Neil Lennon has demanded a response from his players after a goalless draw against Hibs on Saturday left them trailing 12 points behind league leaders Rangers.
Celtic are now 1.04 to win the SPL while Rangers are 11.00.
I don't think they (the players) are giving enough in terms of the quality of their play or effort.
Neil Lennon
Lennon's side defeated Hibs 4-1 in midweek in the Scottish Communities League Cup but a lacklustre performance from his side against the same opposition at Celtic Park left him searching for answers.
"I am not happy with some of them at the minute," he said.
"I don't think they are giving enough in terms of the quality of their play or effort and I will speak to them individually and tell them what I think and I am looking for a response from them.
"But you ask them questions at times and you don't get answers."
The result was compounded by Rangers' win over Aberdeen which saw Celtic's Glasgow rivals extend their lead at the top of the table. However, despite the increasing pressure on his shoulders and speculation linking him with the managerial vacancy at Leicester, Lennon will not entertain talk of leaving the club.
He added: "The only way I would leave the job this season is if I decide I am not taking the club forward or I am not getting the performances that the fans merit.
"Today, I am not hugely concerned about my position, it's more of a question of why I can't get these players to be as consistent as last season."
Celtic take on Rennes in the Europa League on Thursday and are 34.00 to win 2-0, while a goalless draw is at 9.00.
Don't forget all of the fantastic markets we have to offer, including In-Play betting, can be accessed on your mobile phone with the new and improved Mobile at bet365.
View all Soccer betting