Ally McCoist admits he was surprised that Neil Lennon claims he has had tougher tests during his time at Celtic as a player and a manager.
The Rangers legend is an old foe of Lennon and despite their tussle on the touchline, clearly respects the Hoops boss.
But he revealed his was in complete disagreement with Lennon over his claims on BT Sport that he had more testing times during his spell at the club in both capacities.
Lennon is under severe pressure from fans with the Green Brigade posing outside Celtic Park with a banner calling for him to quit or risk losing 10 In A Row.
And old team-mates are now beginning to question him as well with Chris Sutton branding him delusional.
McCoist looked shocked at Lennon's interview and told BT Sport: "Listen, that's the kind of character he is.
"He's never shirked an issue, on and off the pitch, in his life and he's not going to do it now.
"Where I would disagree with him, I'm not sure I can remember many more testing times for Neil Lennon or Celtic looking at the way they are at this moment in time.
"I keep saying, I have said for a while, that they will improve, they have to improve."
But while he was in disagreement with him there, he insists the players have to do more to help Lennon out.
The Celtic boss picked a strong team to face Sparta Prague and McCoist admits he would have selected a similar side.
He added: "I would have probably picked that same side.
"That's still a strong Celtic side that will go out and do the business but it didn't.
"The buck will always stop with the manager and the head coach, that's the way it has been for a number of years, that won't change.
"But the players have got to have a look at themselves, especially defensively."
