Rangers boss Philippe Clement has continued his efforts to manage expectations ahead of Sunday’s League Cup final against Celtic, making a pointed comparison between the two squads.
After already raising eyebrows earlier this week by claiming Rangers were not in Celtic’s league financially, Clement has now shifted his focus to his players, suggesting they are less equipped for the occasion than their opponents.
Speaking to the media, Clement acknowledged Celtic’s squad depth and continuity as key advantages, while highlighting the changes in his own team since the two sides last met in a cup final.
“This will be a different game with different players,” Clement told SunSport. “A lot of different players on our side — on Celtic’s not that many different.
“But they have a bigger squad, more depth in their squad than they had last season, so they have been better than last season — that’s a reality we know. So we need to be better also, but we have a totally different squad than that game. With this squad, it’s about getting the best out of them.”
Lowering the Pressure
Clement’s comments come across as a calculated attempt to deflect pressure away from himself and his squad. By openly acknowledging Celtic’s perceived advantages, he seems to be setting the stage for a no-lose scenario. If Rangers lose, Clement can point to the challenges he outlined, but if they win, he can position it as an overachievement and a testament to his managerial ability.
Clement’s clearly keen to frame Celtic as the favourites, allowing him to manage the fallout if the result doesn’t go Rangers’ way.
A Focused Celtic
On the other side of the divide, Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has taken a contrasting approach, showing confidence in his squad while emphasising the team’s hunger to reclaim the League Cup. Rodgers highlighted the advantages of playing at Hampden and his side’s ability to exploit the big pitch, suggesting that Celtic are fully prepared to rise to the occasion.
Clement’s attempt to downplay expectations may reduce the pressure on his players, but it also risks handing Celtic the psychological edge. With the Hoops flying high in the league and buoyed by their strong performances at Hampden, they’ll be focused on letting their football do the talking.
Kick-Off Looms
The League Cup final kicks off at 3:30 pm on Sunday, and all eyes will be on Hampden Park for what promises to be another enthralling Glasgow derby. While Clement continues to downplay his side’s chances, Celtic will look to seize the moment and add another trophy to their cabinet.
