Elfsborg: Bangura is no taxi driver!
The striker is at the centre of attention for tomorrow’s Celtic-Elfsborg clash and seems certain to play for the Swedish side against his parent club.
If Celtic lose out Bangura can expect the frostiest of receptions when he returns to Celtic at the end of his loan deal.
Despite the complications involved Lenertsson hasn’t wavered in his view that it’s best to play Bangura as he explained at his pre-match media conference.
“I have spoken to Mohamed about this several times,” the Elfsborg coach explained. “Of course the attention has affected him but he’s a cool guy.
“Above all he isn’t a taxi driver, a carpenter or a hospital worker- he is a professional footballer, that is his job and can handle this.
“I can understand why Celtic have acted this way, they are doing whatever it takes to defeat us. It’s a very important match for them, it would be a disaster if they get knocked out. We are doing what’s best for Elfsborg and this season Mohamed Bangura is our player.
“It’s not really such a big issue, it’s about mind games and we expect that in football.”
As soon as the draw was made Neil Lennon suggested that Bangura wouldn’t play but 24 hours before the match the Celtic boss is preparing to face one of his own players.
Lennon said: “I am not going to make a big song and dance about it but the reality of it is, there is a big possibility that Mo could play.
“If he plays, he plays and we are preparing for it as if he is playing. You would probably need to ask him how he is feeling more than me.
“We made our feelings pretty clear over the last week or so but we have to respect Elfsborg’s decision.
“I am trying to do what’s best for Celtic and the Elfsborg manager is trying to do what’s best for Elfsborg.
“There is a good relationship between the two clubs, I just think it puts Mo in a very difficult position. I wouldn’t like to be in that position myself, put it that way.”