NEIL LENNON says that there has been a ‘bloodlust’ for managers to lose their jobs this season, as the Celtic boss hit out at a lack of patience and respect from the media and supporters towards the likes of himself and Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes.

Under-fire Pittodrie boss McInnes was given a vote of confidence from Dons chairman Dave Cormack this week, with Lennon previously receiving similar backing from the Celtic board after calls for his own sacking intensified back in December.

When asked if the criticism he has received this season was to be expected given the size of Celtic as a club and the admittedly poor results to date this term, Lennon said: “No, I don’t think it is par for the course at all, I think it is quite disgraceful.

“I think some of the interviewing techniques this season have left a lot to be desired. And I’ve talked about a bloodlust.

“You’ve had myself, Jack Ross and now Derek having to defend themselves in the media when it is totally disrespectful and unbalanced.

“I just wish people would settle down and have some faith in the management structures. It was only six weeks ago we were winning the treble. It’s not like it was 10 or 15 years ago. It’s just sort of like a lust for managers to be sacked and we are human beings at the end of the day.

“Take the job out it, and we are trying to be as professional as we can.

“Now even I feel I have to be so guarded now because people are so selective in what they use and then they throw it out against you, maybe a month or two down the line when it is totally taken out of context.

“The narrative certainly this year has been very negative towards the club. In certain quarters it has been deserved because of the performances and results, but I think over the piece there has been a real lack of understanding and respect for the roles and the pressures managers are under.”