Rangers assistant manager Issame Charai has attempted to shift the focus away from his side ahead of Sunday’s Glasgow derby at Celtic Park.

With the Hoops sitting comfortably at the top of the Scottish Premiership, a victory would extend their lead to a commanding 19 points, edging the Bhoys one step closer to securing a 55th league title.

Charai Stays On Despite Clement’s Departure

Charai initially joined Philippe Clement’s coaching team on January 25th and has remained in his role despite the Belgian being shown the door. Now, he finds himself assisting interim boss Barry Ferguson as Rangers attempt to salvage what remains of their season.

The Ibrox club’s turbulent campaign has seen managerial upheaval, fan unrest, and increasing pressure to deliver results, making Sunday’s derby all the more enjoyable if Celtic were to win.

Celtic Clear Favourites

With Celtic in pole position and looking unstoppable under Brendan Rodgers, all the pressure is on Rangers to perform. The Hoops have shown their class throughout the season, and with the title within touching distance, a win at home would take them one step closer to glory. While Rangers cling to any hope of mounting a derby win, the reality is that Celtic’s consistency and quality have left them in the dust.

Charai Highlights Financial Disparity

In an attempt to downplay expectations, Charai has pointed to the financial gap between the two clubs. Speaking to (Gazet Van Antwerpen), he said: “Rangers do not have the same financial resources as Celtic, but they do have a lot of young talent that can pay off in the long run.”

His comments, however, may raise a few eyebrows. While it’s true that Celtic operate at a higher level financially, Rangers still boast a far larger budget than the rest of the league—with the exception of the Hoops. The suggestion that finances are a major obstacle for Rangers ignores the fact that they have still significantly outspent most Scottish clubs and have had the resources to challenge Celtic in recent years.

Celtic’s Title Charge Continues

With Charai and Rangers looking to deflect attention, the reality remains the same: Celtic are in control of their own destiny. A win on Sunday would not only widen the gap at the top but also send a clear message that Rodgers’ men are firmly on course to secure a domestic treble. While Charai attempts to manage expectations, Celtic will be fully focused on delivering another statement victory in front of a packed Paradise.