Lille coach Christophe Galtier believes ‘fatigue’ was the explanation behind Celtic’s Europa League collapse on Thursday night, while speaking to La Voix du Nord.
After the week from hell, under-fire Neil Lennon really could have done with a statement win away at one of the most feared sides in French football.
And Moi Elyounoussi’s stunning first-half brace put Celtic within touching distance of a famous three points at the Stade Pierre Mauroy, only for Lille to come roaring back with a stirring second-half response.
Zeki Celik and the £70 million-rated France international Jonathan Ikone struck in quick succession to cancel out Elyounoussi’s double, although Celtic really didn’t help themselves after the interval.
The Scottish champions took up permanent residency on the edge of their own penalty area and, amid such reactionary tactics, it felt inevitable that Lille would create a multitude of openings.
That they most certainly did, scoring from two of them.
And Galtier felt that tiredness certainly played a part as Celtic struggled to replicate a fine first-half performance after the break.
“We had a poor first half with no rhythm, no speed. It was impossible to move the (Celtic) block and we made some big mistakes, especially on the first goal,” said Galtier, whose Lille side also missed a penalty when £25 million striker Jonathan David fired straight at Scott Bain.
“In terms of pace and intensity, it was insufficient and we put these ingredients in the second half. From the 65th minute, the Scottish team showed signs of fatigue and we started to dominate quite significantly.
“As soon as we scored the first goal, we felt the game rocking. I greatly appreciate the reaction of my team. The team showed character.”
After those defeats to Rangers and AC Milan, plus that 3-3 draw with Aberdeen, Celtic have now failed to win any of their last four games and sit third in their Europa League group.
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