Stephan: Boss has made Celts even better
CRAIG SWAN LENNY HAILS OLD RIVAL
c.swan@dailyrecord.co.uk publicity but you wouldn’t know with Odsonne as he seems to take it in his stride. And yes, I’m tempted to bring Ntcham in because he’s a good player.
“I always think going back to your home country, there’s a great incentive to show the people, your family and friends how much you’ve come on and developed. There is a little bit extra incentive and motivation for these players, there’s no question of that.”
While Edouard, Jullien and Ntcham have returned home, the venue is also familiar to Lennon and players such as Fraser Forster and James Forrest who have been there before.
The manager was in Rennes eight years ago leading a side to a 1-1 Europa League draw in 2011.
Joe Ledley’s leveller handed the Hoops a deserved point and the boss feels it was an important starting point for that squad to grow.
Having begun building his latest Celtic team, Lennon reckons it could be the same story again and said: “It was a big away result for us then we went to Udinese and got one there.
“That set the blocks really, for what NEIL LENNON paid tribute to his old sparring partner as he praised the career of former Rangers foe Fernando Ricksen. The pair regularly toughed it out in midfield during Old Firm derbies but Celts boss Lenny had nothing but praise for the tragic Dutch ace. He said: “I’m upset because he was a big player and personality in my era. To lose him at 43 is cruel. “Six years he had to battle it was to come with a young side. We’re hoping something good can come out of the disappointment of not making the Champions League groups and we are hoping it is in this competition.
“This is the start of an exciting group and the players should be excited. They have been in good form and there is no reason why they cannot carry that good form into this match.
“While we are positive we are also respectful and wary of the opposition because they are a very good team.
“We’ll have to play well and we’ll need to ride out the bad moments in the game if we can.
“We also have a goalkeeper with international pedigree who has played in the Champions League and that experience at the back will help.
“You need your goalkeeper to play well and Fraser has done it before. There is no reason why he can’t do it again and that should give the team confidence as well.
“Hatem Abd Elhamed has played in the Europa League and Champions League and so has Boli Bolingoli. The and it is awful but it’s still a shock no matter what side of the fence you are on.
“We’re all united in grief for him and his family. He was a fierce competitor and the rivalry was great.
“We played in a great era in Glasgow when the two teams were chockful of superstars. Fernando matured and got better to the point when he was Player of the Year.
“I send my condolences to his family, to Rangers and to his team-mates.” new guys are experienced enough at this level, Moritz Bauer has played European football too and certainly Mohamed Elyounoussi has for Basel as well as in the Premier League. It’s not going to dazzle them or surprise them.” Rennes are a classy outfit. Having defeated Arsenal at home in last season’s Europa League knockout phase the French have also taken the scalp of PSG this term. Lennon expects a stiff examination and he added: “They may dominate possession and they’re very good in possession. “Their midfield is very comfortable on the ball and their centre-halves are too actually. “We may need to be patient at times and make sure we don’t lose our shape too often. “We can hurt this team and I think we’ve got goals in us. That’s going to be important on the night too. “We can’t be complacent though. We have to be concentrated from the start and we’re looking forward to it. “It should be interesting to see how the first 15 minutes shape up and you are looking for your big players in big games. “We want to perform and we want to prevail and we will need a good performance if we are going to do that. “Rennes have made a superb start to their own domestic season so we know how difficult the tie will be. But we’re in good form and we’re looking forward to this. It’s very exciting for not only the new players but the senior players too. “The pitch looks in perfect condition and all the ingredients are there for a very good game.” BY MICHAEL GANNON RENNES boss Julien Stephan reckons Celtic are a fiercer prospect under Neil Lennon.
The Parkhead men are looking to get off to a Europa League flier in France tonight but the Ligue 1 outfit are wary of the Scottish champs.
Stephan – who could be boosted by star man M’Baye Niang recovering from a knee knock – watched Celtic’s Euro campaign last season when Brendan Rodgers steered his side to the knockout stages.
But the gaffer is convinced the Hoops have tooled up again under Lenny and they will be fighting it out with Lazio to top the group.
He said: “This is a totally different group from last year. We think it’s a stronger team. It’s a big team with lots of experience at our level and lots of internationals.
“They can play in the air and are very technical, with Callum McGregor, Ryan Christie, James Forrest and Odsonne Edouard just a few.
“Celtic are also one of the favourites. As far as experience goes they should be able to perform well, just behind Lazio.
“We also know that the group is difficult, with Celtic and also Lazio. This is not going be easy. There is also a Romanian team who are used to playing at European level.
“It’s difficult. I can’t tell the future but I can tell you we’re going to give 100 per cent to get the best results possible.
“We know it’s going to be difficult but we’re lucky to be playing at home and supporters will have a big role in a possible win.
“The supporters have proved in the past when they need to step up they have. Celtic supporters will also be noisy and it’ll help improve the atmosphere.”