Post-match with A Celtic State of Mind – Europa League Away Versus Rennes

“Neil Lennon’s tactics in Europe should be applauded (other than the Cluj capitulation), as he has shown adaptability that seemed to be beyond his predecessor.

That Celtic were a poor refereeing performance away from winning in France will be a point of consternation, but they will be confident that a win against Rennes at Celtic Park will not be beyond them.

Elyounoussi showed in dispatches that he will provide Celtic with the width that an ‘invincible’ Sinclair once did.

Another major positive for Lennon is the developing partnership of Ajer and Jullien, which is improving with every 90 minutes.”
Paul John Dykes.

“The Hoops turned in a highly competent performance in Brittany with almost none of the alarms often associated with European away days. Ajer and Jullien marshalled the defence expertly, Forster hardly had a save to make, and Bayo appeared to be unlucky to see red in stoppage time.”
David Sleight

“A valuable point for the Hoops at the start of the Europa League campaign despite the best efforts of a clearly under-qualified referee who looked to have gained his badge from a cereal box.

Celtic looked very comfortable on the ball and looked in complete control of the game apart from the error from Kris Ajer that led to the Rennes penalty. There were very few chances for both sides throughout the 90 minutes but if you had offered Celtic a draw before kick-off they would have snatched your hand off for it.

The fallout from this game has to be the performance of Jose Maria Sanchez and especially his decision to send off Vakoun Bayo.”
Colin Watt

“It’s hard not to start this review by mentioning the referee. Both teams can question his handling of the game. His rule was if he made a mistake he evened it up by making another mistake. He made the game become grumpy and that suited us.

Kristoffer Ajer got caught on the wrong side and failed to admit his mistake. His failure to let go of the player was a decision made within a hurricane of blind panic. This was against the run of play. We were bullish in the attack, good in our decision making, simple and concentrated in defence.

Lennon ensures the players know their jobs and he doesn’t ask them to do anything that is beyond their ability. He deserves credit for this performance; a performance where all players gave him a shift. No-one was below a six out of ten.

We drew the last time we played Rennes but the French League has improved since then and this is a fabulous point for Celtic.”
Kevin Graham

🍀 A CELTIC STATE OF MIND
⭐️ Man of the Match
🏆 Rennes 1 Celtic 1

1️⃣ Christopher Jullien
2️⃣ Ryan Christie
3️⃣ Boli Bolingoli