Sport nationPhilippe Clement’s Comments Highlight the Growing Gap Between Celtic and Rangers
Celtic extended their lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership table to 11 points over Rangers following a commanding 4-1 victory against Hearts at Tynecastle. With results earlier in the day favoring Brendan Rodgers’ side, this latest triumph not only solidified Celtic’s position but further underscored the significant gap between the two Glasgow giants. Meanwhile, Rangers’ 1-1 draw with Dundee United at Ibrox left fans frustrated and questioning the direction of Philippe Clement’s team.
The disparity in points has sparked a heated debate among supporters and pundits, with many questioning Rangers’ ability to mount any meaningful challenge for the title. Clement, however, remains defiant, insisting that his side can still turn things around. His comments, filled with a mixture of realism and wishful thinking, provide an insight into the challenges Rangers face as they try to keep pace with an in-form Celtic.
Celtic’s Dominance: A League of Their Own
Celtic have been nothing short of exceptional this season under the stewardship of Brendan Rodgers. The 4-1 win against Hearts was a testament to their attacking prowess, tactical discipline, and squad depth. Goals from Kyogo Furuhashi, Reo Hatate, and Matt O’Riley highlighted the Bhoys’ superiority, with Hearts struggling to cope with their relentless pressure and precision.
Rodgers, who returned to Celtic after a successful first spell, has once again demonstrated his ability to build a team capable of dominating domestic competitions. Celtic’s strength lies not only in their starting XI but also in the depth of their squad. Injuries and fixture congestion have yet to slow them down, as Rodgers has seamlessly rotated his players while maintaining high performance levels.
This dominance has been particularly frustrating for Rangers fans, who had hoped that Philippe Clement’s arrival would mark a turning point in their fortunes. However, the Belgian manager has struggled to find consistency since taking over, and the gap between the two sides has only widened.
Rangers’ Struggles Under Philippe Clement
Rangers’ 1-1 draw against Dundee United at Ibrox epitomized their struggles this season. Despite dominating possession and creating several chances, they failed to secure all three points, leaving fans exasperated. Clement’s post-match comments acknowledged the frustration but also highlighted his belief that the team can improve in the coming months.
“Fans can think what they want. That is their right also,” Clement said when asked about the growing discontent among Rangers supporters. “I never give up if something is not possible. Of course, it’s a big gap, and you don’t know how many points other teams will lose along the way.”
Clement’s optimism, however, appears misplaced to many observers. To bridge the 11-point gap, Rangers would need an extraordinary run of form combined with a significant drop-off from Celtic—something that seems unlikely given the Bhoys’ current momentum.
A Tale of Two Managers: Rodgers vs. Clement
The contrasting fortunes of Rodgers and Clement this season are stark. While Rodgers has successfully implemented his philosophy and built a cohesive, confident team, Clement is still grappling with the challenges of managing a club like Rangers, where expectations are sky-high.
Rodgers’ experience in managing big clubs and handling pressure has been evident throughout the season. His tactical acumen and ability to adapt have kept Celtic ahead of their rivals, while his motivational skills have ensured that his players maintain their focus and intensity.
Clement, on the other hand, faces the unenviable task of rebuilding a squad that lacks the quality and depth needed to compete with Celtic. The Belgian manager’s tenure has been marked by inconsistency, with moments of promise often overshadowed by disappointing results. His comments about the team’s performance in the second half against Dundee United suggest that he sees potential, but turning that potential into consistent results will be a monumental challenge.
The Historical Rivalry: A Context for the Current Season
The rivalry between Celtic and Rangers is one of the most storied in football, with a history that stretches back more than a century. Known as the Old Firm, this rivalry is deeply rooted in the cultural, social, and political fabric of Scotland. It is not just a clash between two football clubs but also a reflection of broader societal divides.
Over the years, the pendulum of dominance has swung between the two clubs. However, in recent times, Celtic have had the upper hand, winning multiple league titles and consistently outperforming Rangers in domestic competitions. The current 11-point gap is a continuation of this trend, much to the frustration of Rangers supporters.
For Clement, this historical context adds another layer of pressure. Managing Rangers is not just about winning matches; it’s about restoring pride and challenging Celtic’s supremacy. The Belgian manager’s task is made all the more difficult by the weight of history and the expectations of a passionate fanbase.
Can Rangers Turn Their Season Around?
While Clement remains optimistic, the reality is that Rangers face an uphill battle to salvage their season. The upcoming fixtures against Celtic could prove decisive. A League Cup final showdown in three weeks offers Rangers a chance to claim silverware and land a psychological blow on their rivals. However, given Celtic’s current form, even this opportunity appears daunting.
Beyond the League Cup, the next league meeting between the two sides at Ibrox will be crucial. If Celtic were to win that game, the gap could widen to 14 points—a deficit that would effectively end Rangers’ title hopes.
For Rangers to have any chance of turning their season around, several factors need to align. First, they must find consistency in their performances. The team has shown flashes of quality but has struggled to maintain those levels over 90 minutes. Second, key players need to step up and deliver in crucial moments. Finally, Clement must find a way to instill belief and resilience in his squad—a task that will require both tactical adjustments and psychological preparation.
Celtic’s Fixture Congestion: An Opportunity for Rangers?
One potential silver lining for Rangers is Celtic’s hectic fixture schedule. Competing on multiple fronts, including the Champions League, could stretch Rodgers’ squad and lead to fatigue or injuries. While Celtic have managed this challenge admirably so far, the intensity of the schedule could eventually take its toll.
For Rangers, this represents an opportunity to close the gap. However, capitalizing on this would require them to be almost flawless in their league performances—something they have yet to achieve this season.
Fan Reactions and the Emotional Stakes
The emotional stakes in the Celtic-Rangers rivalry cannot be overstated. For Celtic fans, the current season represents a continuation of their dominance and a chance to assert their superiority further. The prospect of winning another league title while their rivals falter adds an extra layer of satisfaction.
For Rangers supporters, the situation is deeply frustrating. The team’s struggles have led to growing discontent, with many questioning the club’s direction and Clement’s ability to deliver success. The 1-1 draw against Dundee United was met with boos from sections of the Ibrox crowd—a clear indication of the fans’ dissatisfaction.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Celtic and Rangers?
As the season progresses, the focus for Celtic will be on maintaining their momentum and avoiding complacency. Rodgers has built a team that looks capable of not only winning the league but also competing in Europe. The challenge for the Bhoys will be to balance their domestic and European commitments while keeping their players fit and motivated.
For Rangers, the immediate priority is to close the gap on Celtic and secure a strong finish in the league. The upcoming League Cup final represents a chance to salvage some pride and potentially kickstart a revival. However, to achieve this, Clement must address the team’s inconsistencies and find a way to unlock their potential.
Conclusion: A Season of Contrasts
The 2024–25 Scottish Premiership season has so far been a tale of contrasts between Celtic and Rangers. While Celtic have surged ahead under Brendan Rodgers, Rangers have struggled to find their footing under Philippe Clement. The 11-point gap between the two sides is a reflection of their respective fortunes, with Celtic looking unstoppable and Rangers appearing to be a team in transition.
For Clement, the road ahead is fraught with challenges. Restoring Rangers to their former glory will require time, patience, and significant improvements in both performance and results. Whether he can achieve this remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the stakes have never been higher in the Old Firm rivalry.
Sport nation
Amina Umar
Sport Nation 2