Rangers boss Philippe Clement has been sharing his thoughts on today’s Celtic derby victory in the Scottish Premiership.
The Bhoys won 2-1 thanks to a Matt O’Riley goal and John Lundstram’s own goal just minutes later. Lundstram was sent off shortly after, unravelling Rangers’ chances of the win they needed to stay in the title hunt.
Celtic are now six points clear at the top of the table with just two matches remaining. Brendan Rodgers’ team have one hand on the silverware and there’s strong expectation of a trophy day at Celtic Park next Saturday.
After the match, Clement was not happy with what he witnessed from his team. He felt they didn’t follow up on instructions given to them in the days building up to kick-off.
Philippe Clement on Rangers defeat at Celtic Park
Speaking on BBC Radio Scotland, he said: “Of course, there’s disappointment about losing. Mostly there’s disappointment about our first 20 minutes – we were not aggressive enough. And of course the bad decision-making of the tackle and getting the red card because that changed the game as well.
“After 20 minutes we had our chances, and we made the goal also. At half-time the expected goals of the two teams are similar. If you stay with eleven, you have another story.
“The team kept on fighting and showed resilience to still make it difficult for Celtic to finish of the game. There was a lot of tension until the last seconds because my team kept on fighting which is what I demand of them. But I also demand a better first 20 minutes. We need to be better at that.
“It’s something we put a lot of attention on the last couple of days so we need to talk about that, why we didn’t manage to do that.”
Clement was then asked about their title chances and while he wouldn’t concede the race given it’s still mathematically possible for them to finish first, he made it clear he thinks it’s a long shot.
Celtic have delivered the blow to Rangers that was needed. The Ibrox side have talked a big game this season and, at times, showed signs of being genuine title contenders but when it has mattered most they’ve come up short.
Rodgers’ team are undefeated against them in 2023/24 and have won three of the four derbies. That dominance is always going to have a massive influence on who wins the title. Celtic have stepped up on the huge occasions.