Sport Nation 2Celtic Football Club has long been the dominant force in Scottish football, consistently outperforming their rivals. However, there was a brief moment when Rangers looked poised to challenge Celtic’s supremacy. The 2020/21 season saw Rangers finish 25 points ahead of their rivals, suggesting a potential power shift. But as Connor Goldson recently admitted, key mistakes by Rangers allowed Celtic to regain their dominance.
A Missed Opportunity
The summer following Rangers’ league triumph seemed like the perfect opportunity for them to solidify their position at the top. Celtic, in contrast, were in turmoil. They had lost several key players, including Scott Brown, Odsonne Edouard, Kris Ajer, and Ryan Christie. The managerial situation was equally chaotic, with Neil Lennon departing and John Kennedy serving as interim manager.
Celtic’s attempts to sign Eddie Howe as their new manager dragged on for months but ultimately fell through. Instead, they turned to Ange Postecoglou, a relatively unknown figure in Scottish football. Many pundits and fans wrote Celtic off, expecting Rangers to cruise to another league title.
For Rangers, this should have been an era of consolidation and dominance. They had the momentum, a squad filled with talent, and the additional incentive of securing automatic qualification for the UEFA Champions League.
Goldson’s Take on Rangers’ Failures
Reflecting on that critical period, Rangers defender Connor Goldson identified complacency as a key issue within the club. Speaking to the Daily Record, Goldson said:
“We didn’t look as hungry or as fit as we’d been the year we won the league. Celtic lost a lot of key players that summer, and the whole football club took its eye off the ball when Celtic lost a lot of players and their manager.”
Goldson expressed frustration at the lack of urgency within the Rangers squad, noting that standards began to slip, especially after manager Steven Gerrard departed mid-season for Aston Villa.
“Unfortunately for us, they quickly turned it around. Even during the season, when we’d dropped points and the title race was still close, I felt I had to say something to get a reaction. It didn’t go down well, but if you look at how things have panned out, I think I was right.”
Postecoglou’s Impact
While Rangers faltered, Celtic’s decision to appoint Ange Postecoglou proved transformative. The Australian manager initially struggled, losing three of Celtic’s first six league matches. Critics were quick to dismiss Postecoglou’s ability to manage in Scotland, but he gradually turned things around.
Once Celtic found their rhythm under Postecoglou, they became nearly unstoppable. Over the next two seasons, the Hoops secured five trophies, including consecutive league titles. Postecoglou’s tenure culminated in his move to manage Tottenham Hotspur, a testament to his success and growing reputation.
The Brendan Rodgers Era
Celtic’s dominance has continued under Brendan Rodgers, who returned to the club after Postecoglou’s departure. Rodgers, a proven manager with a track record of success in Scotland and England, has maintained Celtic’s winning momentum.
Meanwhile, Rangers have struggled to regain their footing. The gap between the two clubs, which seemed to narrow during the 2020/21 campaign, has widened once again, with Celtic firmly in control of Scottish football.
Lessons Learned
Goldson’s reflections highlight the importance of maintaining high standards, even in the face of success. Rangers’ complacency during the critical summer of 2021 allowed Celtic to regroup and rebuild, turning what should have been a period of transition into a new era of dominance.
For Rangers, the lesson is clear: success requires consistent effort, discipline, and forward planning. As Goldson put it, taking one’s “eye off the ball” can have long-lasting consequences.
Looking Ahead
Celtic’s sustained success under Postecoglou and now Rodgers underscores the importance of strong leadership and strategic planning. While Rangers showed promise during their 2020/21 campaign, they must address internal issues and rebuild their squad if they hope to challenge Celtic in the future.
For now, the Hoops remain the undisputed kings of Scottish football, a position they are unlikely to relinquish anytime soon. As Connor Goldson and Rangers reflect on what might have been, the focus must shift to the future and the steps needed to close the gap.
This tale of missed opportunities and resilience serves as a reminder of the ever-changing dynamics in football and the thin margins between success and failure.
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