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Celtic manager Neil Lennon admits they have made it “very, very difficult” to get back in the race for the Scottish Premiership title after drawing 1-1 at home with St Johnstone.
But Lennon has no doubt that he is still the man to change his alarmingly falling form.
The Rangers moved a 13-point lead Sunday after a 4-0 win over Ross County, which had knocked Celtic out of the Betfred Cup at Parkhead seven days earlier.
Celtic have now won just twice in 12 games in all competitions and just once in five league games to leave hopes of a 10th consecutive league crown hanging by a thread.
When asked if he doubted he could change his form, Lennon said: “No, I don’t doubt it, I know these players.
“There is definitely a lack of confidence there, a lack of confidence in themselves as individuals and in each other. We have to get that back because they can play, they showed it last season.
“But this season has been a struggle for them. Whether it’s a lack of attitude or desire … there are bits and pieces that I see from time to time that I can’t change overnight, but I want to.
“As far as the season is concerned, we are making it very, very difficult for us to get back in.”
Lennon, who joined Celtic 20 years ago, added: “I have to be realistic. I wouldn’t say it’s over, but we are making it increasingly difficult for us and we have to start winning games and winning.” they good.”
The cup’s loss to the county sparked angry protests outside Celtic Park, but Lennon maintained the backing of the club’s powerful agents.
But, after losing four goals and a two-lead against Milan on Thursday, Lennon admitted Celtic lacked penetration and urgency against a St Johnstone side that extended their unbeaten streak to 11 games.
Celtic created more chances after a flat first half, but Zander Clark made some good saves and Saints replacement Chris Kane slid down to convert a low cross from Stevie May in the 79th minute.
Mohamed Elyounoussi tied with a looped header four minutes later, but Celtic couldn’t find a winner.
With fans gathered outside of Celtic Park again, Lennon said: “I understand your frustrations. We are not playing well, we are not getting the results that we should be getting.”
“There are ways and means and some fans are more furious than others, but right now I agree with them that the performances do not deserve the quality that we have.
“If that depends on me, so be it. If there is going to be a change, so be it, but I will not stop working to try to do it well.”
When asked if the latest setback could change the views of the board and major shareholder Dermot Desmond, Lennon said: “I can’t answer that and I don’t want to get ahead of anything. I want to keep working and turn it around.
“We need a bit of arrogance in the missing team right now. Some players are not fit enough and that has been the case for a long time. Some players are just not in good shape.”
“They need a break at some point and they need a little bit of my support, but it’s two-way. The players have to play better. We are doing everything we can to get those performances right.”
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