One of the accusations that has been thrown at this Rangers team is that they simply don’t have the mentality required to go to Parkhead and beat Celtic.
The last time a meaningful league game was won in an Old Firm was Steven Gerrard’s last in 2021 when Filip Helander’s header was the difference between the two sides.
The last victory away from Ibrox was even longer ago, but this doesn’t stop Philippe Clement from believing that his squad has the mental strength required to close the gap at the top.
Philippe Clement backs Rangers mentality to win Old Firm
Since Clement arrived, the Old Firm derbies have been closer and only defensive mistakes have been the difference between the two sides – that, and the break of the ball, or the odd controversial decision.
Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Clement was asked if his players will be able to handle the Parkhead atmosphere:
“I’m really confident about that, I have no doubts about that. You need to love that if you want to be a player here or in this town.
“I know many love to play here.
“It’s a case when you’re on the pitch and I know when I was there in the past, when more people boo at you, the more people are shouting at you, the more people are negative towards you, the more they are afraid their team doesn’t get a result.
“It works that way so in a way I think the more they’re going to boo tomorrow, the stronger my team will get.”
Without the right mindset, Rangers have no chance
If the Rangers XI that take to the field have half of the manager’s mentality, they will be in a good position to get a result.
As Clement also touched on, courage isn’t about flying into tackles and being aggressive, it’s about playing the right pass under pressure and choosing the right moments to take risks.
Look at the first goal that Rangers lost at Ibrox in the last derby.
James Tavernier thought that playing safe was the best option, just 26 seconds into the game.
The reality is the captain had enough time to pass to Connor Goldson or Jack Butland.
Sometimes playing safe isn’t the most appropriate course of action.
In every area, mentality is essential.
For defenders to beat Celtic’s press and find the space in midfield, for the midfield to play forwards rather than just retaining possession and the strikers to take chances when they fall.
Rangers haven’t shown that they love playing at Parkhead for some time, if ever there was a moment to rekindle an old flame, it is now.
