Neil Lennon has fiercely rejected claims that another Celtic Treble would be “tedious,” insisting that the club’s relentless pursuit of silverware is anything but boring.
He also reckons Rangers’ impending American takeover will only make the Hoops stronger.
As Brendan Rodgers stands on the brink of an historic third domestic clean sweep if Celtic beat Aberdeen in the Scottish Cup final at Hampden Park next month, some critics have suggested that a sixth Treble in nine years could be the most “tedious” yet.
Lennon, who completed the feat himself as both player and manager, was quick to dismiss those thoughts and praised the Parkhead club's incredible achievements.
"A tedious Treble? I've never heard something so ridiculous in all my life," the current Dunfermline Athletic boss told PLZ Soccer.
"I think it's very, very special to win a Treble. This is the standard that Celtic have set now.
"People get disappointed if they don't win a Treble, that's how good they are. For people to come out with those sort of comments, you're disingenuous.
"You don't realise the lengths, studying, preparation and the sacrifices that managers, players and staff have to make to achieve all that."
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Lennon pointed out how the scale of Celtic’s achievements should not be underestimated, recalling that when Martin O’Neill won the Treble in 2001, it was the club’s first in nearly 30 years. Now, it's almost became the norm, with Ange Postecoglou last winning it for Celtic during the 2022-23 campaign.
He continued: "When Martin O'Neill won it in 2001, it was the first time that Celtic had won it for 29 or 30 years. Brendan's come in and you are talking about doing it in three out of four years, it's incredible.
"And it's a testament to his management skills, his intelligence and his way of leading a team and driving the narrative for that team.
"It'd be very special when it comes and it's a very difficult thing to do considering the competition.
"People might say there's a lack of competition but that's not on Celtic, it's on the rest to compete and make it really difficult for them.
"And it is difficult. Every team raises the game when they play against Celtic week in, week out and you have to overcome the hurdles and the pressure that that brings and also the criticism when it doesn't come."
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Captain Callum McGregor suggested last week that Celtic’s remarkable dominance has been desensitised, and Lennon echoed the sentiment that the achievement should never be taken for granted.
"People get disappointed if they don’t win a Treble, that’s how good they are," Lennon went on to say.
"For people to come out with those sort of comments, you’re disingenuous. You don’t realise the lengths, studying, preparation and the sacrifices that managers, players and staff have to make to achieve all that.”
Looking ahead to next season, Lennon also addressed the ongoing talks over a US-based consortium, led by Andrew Cavenagh and the San Francisco 49ers, taking over at Rangers.
While Light Blues fans hope new ownership will spark a revival, Lennon believes the challenge will only serve to push Celtic to new heights.
“I would say Celtic will relish the challenge. I think it will make them better and even more motivated and determined to go again," he stated.
"I think it’s always important to freshen the squad up every year with new blood and freshness coming in. That’s exactly what I think Brendan will look to do, so I think there’s more exciting times ahead.
"They had a great European campaign this year as well at the highest level, that augurs well for going forward.”
As Rangers look to a possible new dawn under American ownership, Lennon’s message is clear: the challenge will only inspire Celtic to raise their already sky-high standards. For Lennon, winning is never tedious—it is the product of relentless hard work, high standards, and a club culture that refuses to settle for anything less than the best.
