In a stunning display of confidence, or perhaps overconfidence, Rangers manager Phillip Clement has thrown down the gauntlet to The Hoops, asserting his belief that the title is destined for Ibrox.
Clement’s buoyant mood comes hot on the heels of Rangers’ League Cup triumph, a victory not without its controversies, notably involving Andrew Dallas’ lack of VAR intervention.
The Belgian’s audacious claim is sure to ruffle feathers at Celtic Park. Speaking with a brash assurance, Clement told RecordSport, “I know we are going to bring back the title, we will try to do it as fast as possible. It is a big marathon. It is hard work. But I know what the road is to take with this club.”
Year after year, managers and players from Ibrox have made bold predictions about their title aspirations, often with little to show for it when the season ends. Phillip Clement’s confident statements are just the latest in a long line of such proclamations.
Recall Michael Beale, the previous Ibrox manager, who was quite vocal about his title ambitions. However, his tenure at Ibrox was cut short, leading to his replacement by Clement before the festive period this year. Beale’s departure serves as a stark reminder that bold words must be backed by results, something The Bhoys are well accustomed to achieving.
Adding to the drama of this season’s title race is the fact that Rangers had a relatively unchallenged path to the League Cup after Celtic’s unexpected early exit. The Hoops’ surprising defeat to Kilmarnock in the first round opened the door for Rangers to claim the silverware. However, this should not overshadow the formidable achievements of The Hoops in the recent past.
Last season, Celtic not only claimed the Scottish Premiership title but also triumphed in both domestic cups, achieving a treble. Notably, this included knocking Rangers out of both competitions. Such accomplishments are a testament to the strength and resilience of Celtic, and they underscore the fact that they are no strangers to overcoming challenges and proving doubters wrong.
It’s not outlandish to say Celtic have given Clement every bit of encouragement with their recent results. It’s incumbent on Brendan Rodgers and his team to rally ahead of the winter break. Four wins out of four and all is right with the world again. Any more dropped points and Clement might just get his wish.
