Brendan Rodgers has opened up about how Celtic handled the pressure last season, turning a shaky start into a league and cup double that not only left Rangers reeling but widened the financial gulf between the Glasgow rivals and sent Philippe Clement into a spiral which he never recovered.
Rangers had genuine belief that last season’s title was within their grasp, and many at Ibrox saw it as a potential game-changer. Winning the league would have secured Champions League riches, offering a financial windfall that could have reshaped their fortunes. Instead, it was Celtic who reaped the rewards of European football’s top competition this term, further boosting their coffers and stretching the financial gap between the clubs.
Reflecting on the journey, Rodgers admitted: “I think we didn’t get off to the best of starts last season when I came in, certainly in terms of consistency and performance level. I think when Philippe [Clement] came in, obviously, they had that bounce and had a really good run.”
Clement’s arrival at Rangers initially injected fresh hope, but Celtic’s ability to steady the ship proved decisive. “Once we started to find our feet and get our rhythm, and then I think how we dealt with pressure, we dealt with it really, really well,” Rodgers told CeltsAreHere.
The Celtic manager praised his squad’s resilience, highlighting how their consistent performances during the business end of the season were crucial. “It’s a great credit to the players and how they’ve coped with that and how they’ve consistently performed,” he added.
The Hoops’ domestic success has not only delivered silverware but also ensured a significant financial boost from their Champions League exploits. The contrast couldn’t be starker for Rangers, who missed out on those riches, making the task of closing the gap on Celtic even more daunting.
While Clement’s initial impact at Ibrox offered promise, the long-term reality has proven harsh. The title that Rangers believed would be theirs instead strengthened Celtic’s position on and off the pitch.
