Neil Lennon is using his professional integrity to insulate him from the wave of criticism that has been thrown since the weekend.
Champions League defeats to Cluj and Ferencvaros brought their share of criticism but they were offset by domestic form and an ability to focus on the home front, delivering results and trophies.
That notion has been put to the test after losing the Glasgow Derby with the unconvincing performances this season causing concern.
Every aspect of the squad has been under attack from formation and tactics through, critically to attitude. Not only were Celtic off the boil in the Derby defeat but there didn’t seem to be much of an appetite to turn things around.
Social media has been awash with anger, demands for change and recriminations with Lennon well aware of the reactions with his agent, Martin Reilly trying some fire fighting on Saturday night.
Explaining the situation to the Daily Record the Celtic boss said:
I don’t buy into the praise when it comes too much – and I don’t buy into the criticism however vicious or personal. I don’t accept it, I don’t agree with it, but I keep my counsel. It’s important to keep your professional dignity and your professional integrity intact. It doesn’t matter how people perceive me.
The important thing is the club, the important thing is the team, the important thing is the players. I need to get that right on a consistent basis. We’ve done pretty well since we came back in, but I don’t ask for any favours from anyone. That’s just the nature of how this season is going to be.
To be honest, it has been like that since I came back in. My backroom staff are fantastic for me and we believe in what we are doing and believe we will get there.
With two matches against Aberdeen and a visit to Motherwell around three Europa League ties all eyes are on Lennon and the reaction that he gets from his squad of players.