Sport nationMartin O’Neill Urges Rangers to “Eke Out Results” Amid Title Pursuit Struggles
October 22, 2024
Former Celtic manager Martin O’Neill has offered advice to Rangers boss Philippe Clement, emphasizing the need to grind out wins amid the team’s alarming drop-off in form.
Rangers’ Current State
The Ibrox club’s 1-0 defeat to Kilmarnock has heightened concerns among fans, with the team struggling to keep pace with Celtic and Aberdeen in the Scottish Premiership.
O’Neill’s Assessment
O’Neill, who experienced memorable title battles with Rangers during his Celtic tenure, believes a strong Rangers is essential for Celtic’s continued success. He stressed that Rangers’ current struggles make Brendan Rodgers’ job more challenging.
Importance of a Strong Rangers
“A strong Rangers is important for Celtic to remain strong,” O’Neill said. “You need a strong Rangers to keep focused. If Rangers are poor, you’d think you could win automatically over a whole season.”
Advice to Philippe Clement
O’Neill urged Clement to find ways to secure wins, regardless of performance levels. “Eke out results, find a clear pattern, and go win games, no matter how ugly it is,” he advised.
Rangers’ Recent Performance
The Gers have won only three domestic trophies in 13 years, with their city rivals dominating Scottish football. O’Neill attributes this to a lack of consistency and quality.
Celtic’s Dominance
Celtic is on course to retain the Premiership trophy, making it four consecutive titles. Aberdeen, under Jimmy Thelin, has emerged as a surprise challenger, pushing the champions at the summit.
Rangers’ Need for Improvement
O’Neill emphasized that Rangers must improve quickly to stay in the title pursuit. “They’re not good enough; they need to find ways to win,” he said.
Clement Under Pressure
The Belgian manager faces growing pressure following the Kilmarnock defeat. O’Neill’s advice serves as a reminder that Rangers must adapt to stay competitive.
Scottish Football Landscape
The current state of Scottish football highlights the need for a strong Rangers to challenge Celtic’s dominance. O’Neill’s comments underscore the importance of competition in driving success.
Conclusion
Martin O’Neill’s words serve as a wake-up call for Rangers, emphasizing the need for immediate improvement. Philippe Clement must find ways to secure wins and restore confidence in the team.
Sources
- Rangers FC
- Celtic FC
- Scottish Premiership
- talkSPORT
- Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO)
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