A Rangers derby win against their arch-rivals Celtic on Sunday could change the narrative and negative perception surrounding the Glasgow side, according to manager Philippe Clement. The Gers have had a sluggish start to the season, dropping points against Hearts on the opening weekend and crashing out of the Champions League qualifying rounds against Dynamo Kyiv.
However, Clement believes that a win at Celtic Park would boost the morale of the team and the fans, and prove that Rangers are a force to be reckoned with. He said, “For the fans, we know it’s the game of the season. For us also, it’s your biggest rival. It’s three important points, but you have 34 games after.”
The Ibrox manager also pointed out that people often forget to look at the positive aspects of the team, citing their 6-0 win in their last game as an example. He said, “We won the last game 6-0 and it could have been more than six. People have told me that it was more than four years since that happened. It’s not all bad. We are a young, exciting team who want to challenge.”
Rangers’ Rebuild and Transfer Deadline Day Signings
Rangers have undergone a massive rebuild in the summer transfer window, with the signings of Albania midfielder Nedim Bajrami and Feyenoord defender Neraysho Kasanwirjo on transfer deadline day. However, Bajrami’s paperwork has not been processed in time for him to face Celtic.
Clement described the rebuild as a “massive” one, saying, “It’s not what I’ve done, it’s what we have done all together with the resources that were available. Let’s say it like that.” He also emphasized the importance of creating value for the future of the club, rather than just focusing on short-term gains.
The Ibrox manager explained that the club had to deal with the legacy of six players leaving at the end of their contracts last season, which created a difficult situation for everyone involved. However, he believes that the signings they have made will help to create a brighter future for the club.
Clement’s Vision for Rangers
Clement has a clear vision for Rangers, and he believes that the team has the quality to compete with Celtic for the three points. He said, “I believe we have the quality to go full out for the three points, but the finished article is not yet here.”
The Ibrox manager also emphasized the importance of teamwork, saying, “It’s not only short term, it’s also long term. If we had only one for short-term, for sure it would have cost more money and that was also not possible.”
Changing the Narrative
A win against Celtic would do wonders for Rangers’ confidence and would change the narrative surrounding the club. Clement believes that the team has been unfairly criticized, saying, “I think there’s been a more negative perception around the club, with the stadium, with elimination from the Champions League, all these things.”
However, he is confident that the team can turn things around and prove their doubters wrong. He said, “We are a young, exciting team who want to challenge. I believe we have the quality to go full out for the three points.”
Rangers’ Chances of Beating Celtic
Rangers go into the game against Celtic as underdogs, but Clement believes that they have a good chance of winning. He said, “For us also, it’s your biggest rival. It’s three important points, but you have 34 games after.”
The Ibrox manager pointed out that Celtic are not invincible, and that Rangers have a good chance of beating them if they play to their strengths. He said, “We won the last game 6-0 and it could have been more than six. People have told me that it was more than four years since that happened.”
However, Clement also acknowledged that Celtic are a strong team, and that Rangers will have to be at their best if they want to win. He said, “We are a young, exciting team who want to challenge. I believe we have the quality to go full out for the three points.”
Rodgers’ Warning
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has warned his team not to underestimate Rangers, saying that they are a dangerous opponent. He said, “It’s the biggest game of the season, and we need to be ready for it.”
Rodgers also pointed out that Rangers have made some good signings in the transfer window, and that they have a strong squad. He said, “They’ve got a good team, with some good players. We’ll need to be at our best if we want to win.”
The Importance of Teamwork
Clement emphasized the importance of teamwork in achieving a Rangers derby win. He said, “It’s not only short term, it’s also long term. If we had only one for short-term, for sure it would have cost more money and that was also not possible.”
The Ibrox manager believes that the team needs to work together if they want to achieve their goals. He said, “We are a young, exciting team who want to challenge. I believe we have the quality to go full out for the three points.”
The Scottish Premiership Table
The Scottish Premiership table is heating up, with several teams competing for the top spot. Rangers are currently in sixth place, while Celtic are top of the table. However, there are still many games left to play, and anything can happen.
Clement is confident that Rangers can move up the table if they can beat Celtic. He said, “We won the last game 6-0 and it could have been more than six. People have told me that it was more than four years since that happened.”
However, the Ibrox manager also acknowledged that it won’t be easy. He said, “We are a young, exciting team who want to challenge. I believe we have the quality to go full out for the three points.”
The Transfer Window Legacy
The transfer window has left a lasting legacy for Rangers, with the signings of Bajrami and Kasanwirjo. Clement believes that these players will be crucial in helping the team achieve their goals.
The Ibrox manager explained that the club had to deal with the legacy of six players leaving at the end of their contracts last season. However, he believes that the signings they have made will help to create a brighter future for the club.
A Glimpse into the Future
A Rangers derby win would be a glimpse into the future of the club, and would show that they have the quality to compete with the best. Clement is confident that the team can achieve great things, saying, “We are a young, exciting team who want to challenge. I believe we have the quality to go full out for the three points.”
The Ibrox manager believes that the team has the potential to achieve great things, and that a win against Celtic would be a huge step in the right direction.