Celtic manager Neil Lennon admitted his side were “poor” in 6-1 hammering by Barcelona as Scottish champions saw their Champions League journey for season come to an end on Wednesday night.
The Bhoys went into the game knowing they would finish bottom of Group H but there was plenty of pride to play for as Celtic looked to give the travelling supporters something to cheer at the Camp Nou.
However, Celtic were outplayed in every facet of the game and a hat-trick from Neymar plus goals from Gerard Pique, Pedro and Cristian Tello were enough to give the Blaugrana a comfortable win and ensured they finished top of the group.
A consolation goal from Georgios Samaras will have done little to ease Lennon’s concerns as his side struggled to string more than a few passes together and looked poor going forward.
After a fine campaign in the Champions League last term, which saw the club reach the last 16, the lack of a competitive domestic league in Scotland appears to have caught up with Celtic.
Lennon has admitted the performance at Barca was not acceptable and the Old Firm outfit will be hoping to put things right in their next two Scottish Premiership outings when they host Edinburgh duo Hibernian and Hearts.
The Celtic boss said: “There was a lack of desire about us which has not been like us at all.
“It’s disappointing. It’s disappointing for the club and I feel sorry for the supporters who have come as well. I can’t accept that and we’ll do something about it.”
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