Some Celtic fans are in disbelief about some comments that Neil Lennon made about Olivier Ntcham following the club’s 2-0 loss to Cluj in the group stages of the UEFA Europa League last night (BBC).
The Hoops fell to what was a disappointing loss in Romania, but that didn’t affect their position in the table. They are still at the top of the group and will go through as toppers for the first time in history.
Lazio’s 2-0 loss to Rennes means that the Biancocelesti will also not go through into the next round, as they needed a win to have any chance of progressing.
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The game saw midfield Ntcham skipper the side and, after the game, Lennon praised his performance and how he took responsibility of the match.
But some Hoops fans are in sheer disbelief and disagree with the manager’s comments.
He was absolutely terrible and Lenny knows that
— Liam Mcconville (@LiamMcconville9) December 12, 2019
Think I watched a different game from him then
— Scoosh-1 (@Scoosh_1) December 12, 2019
I thought he was very lacklustre. Just to lacksie dasiey tbh
— Patrick Taylor (@tailsreturns) December 12, 2019
I thought he was lazy all game, and looked as if he wasn’t interested.
— Shortlees Amateurs (@ShortleesA) December 12, 2019
A thought he was shocking kept giving the ball away
— Thomas Lunday (@LundayThomas) December 12, 2019
Ntcham was murder. Only Sinclair was worse.
— Pítr Jozef (@PitrJozef) December 13, 2019
Think it’s time to cash him in and get a decent hard working midfielder in the mould of Barry Robson
— spug1888 (@Spuggy1967) December 13, 2019
He was honking. Lazy, didn’t take responsibility and Lenny must be at the wind up!
— MartyFunkhouser (@sleepdesertme) December 12, 2019
Ntcham was the club’s match-winner in their memorable 2-1 win over Simone Inzaghi’s men last month. His stoppage-time goal had all but confirmed the Hoops qualification into the knockout stages of the competition.
Against Cluj, Ntcham completed as many as four dribbles. He also completed one tackle in the game, making one interception. He had a passing accuracy of 78% and played the third-highest number of passes on the pitch too. He also played one key pass.
So far this season, Ntcham has impressed. The former Manchester City man has made 23 appearances in all competitions for the Hoops, scoring four times and racking up a tally of four assists as well. Last season, he had made 37 times in all competitions for the club, coming up six goals and one assist.
What do we think?
Ntcham, who is valued at £4.28 million (as per Transfermarkt), wasn’t at his best against Cluj. Stats do show that he did some bits and pieces to good effect. But one average performance should not overshadow his contributions to the team this season. As the season wears on, he will be very important in midfield.