NEIL LENNON bemoaned Celtic’s lack of “cutting edge” as they lost 3-1 to AC Milan in the Europa League Group H opener at Parkhead last night.
The Hoops boss winced as he saw his team go a goal down in only 14 minutes when under-fire Greek keper Vasilis Barkas was beaten by a header from Rade Krunic and again by Brahim Diaz just before the interval.
However, Lennon’s side rallied in the second period and pulled one back through substitute Mohamed Elyounoussi. Any hopes of a point were dynamited in stoppage-time when Janes-Petter Hauge capitalised once more on sloppy defensive work to leave Barkas helpless for the third goal.
The Celtic gaffer, speaking to Sky Sports News, said: “I’m disappointed we lost. I thought we deserved something from the game.
“We were very good in the second-half, a lot better, better play, better body language, but we lacked a cutting edge.
“We got into good areas in the first-half, but the final ball needs to be better at this level. And we gave away two soft goals.
“But we made changes at half-time and played better.
The loss came only five days after the feeble 2-0 capitulation to Rangers in the east end of Glasgow on Saturday where the champions did not have a solitary attempt on target for the entire game.
Lennon added: “It was markedly better than the weekend. It was encouraging. I don’t like losing, but there were a lot of good signs for me.
“I wanted an improvement and we got a big improvement. Part of me is quite pleased with that.
“We could have shied away from it all after the criticism we have taken and I have taken, but they showed their personality in the second-half.”
Celtic now face the difficult trip to Pittodrie on Sunday for the crucial Premiership midday clash with Aberdeen where three points are a must.
