Neil Lennon, the former Celtic and Hibernian manager, recently spoke about his experience managing Rapid Bucharest in Romania. Despite facing criticism for the team’s slow start in the SuperLiga, Lennon is fully focused on the project at hand and enjoying his time in a country where football is a passion.
Lennon acknowledged that the football landscape in Romania is competitive and exciting, with a strong interest in the sport following the success of the national team in the Euros. He highlighted the challenges of traveling for away games, including taking flights to different regions for matches, which is a new experience for him.
The manager expressed his love for the city of Bucharest, praising its beauty, parks, and vibrant atmosphere. He also mentioned that due to the extreme heat, the team trains in the evenings to avoid the scorching temperatures during the day. Lennon and his coaching staff have even taken up paddle tennis as a leisure activity to unwind outside of training sessions.
Despite the team’s slow start in the league, Lennon remains optimistic about the future and the progress they can make. He emphasized the long-term vision of the club, aiming to improve on their previous season’s sixth-place finish and compete for a top-three position in the league.
Lennon also discussed the unique rules in Romanian football, such as the requirement to play an under-21 Romanian player in the team at all times, which adds an interesting aspect to team selection and strategy.
In addition to his coaching duties, Lennon has been dealing with personal challenges, including the recent passing of his mother. Despite this, he remains committed to his role at Rapid Bucharest and finds ways to stay entertained and active outside of football.
Overall, Neil Lennon’s experience in Romania has been a mix of challenges and opportunities, but he is determined to make a positive impact at Rapid Bucharest and lead the team to success in the future.
