After four defeats in five matches against Celtic this season, you’d think Rangers would keep their thoughts on comparisons to the Bhoys private.
Yet, in the wake of Saturday’s Scottish Cup Final, Ibrox boss Philippe Clement was quick to share his feelings that Rangers were the better team than Celtic.
He said in a media conference: “Even people of Celtic, everyone was saying we were the better team today. In that way, it’s mixed feelings. You are disappointed because you do everything to win. I’m also proud about what the team has shown today.”
It’s not the first time that Clement has looked for crumbs of comfort when the reality of Celtic success stares him in the face.
In the latter part of the season, he was often heard talking about a mythical and irrelevant league table from the date of his arrival – even after letting his own Scottish Premiership lead slip.
Celtic fans share their thoughts on Clement’s latest rant
He’s started ramping up complaints about refereeing too. Rangers correctly had a goal chopped off for a Nicolas Raskin push on Joe Hart in the second half of Saturday’s final but Clement took issue with it.
It’s all coming across a bit Michael Beale, if I’m honest. Clement arrived with some forthright, honest talk about staying focused on Rangers and what they can control. That’s unravelled over the last couple of months.
For many Celtic fans, it is undoubtedly amusing. After clips of Clement’s media conference hit social media on Saturday, plenty of supporters shared their views on what he’s saying about the Bhoys.
One fan said:
Another felt Aberdeen were tougher opponents at Hampden:
This one pointed out that Clement still hasn’t managed to do anything notable against the Bhoys:
Another noted the other odd comments that Clement has made this term:
This supporter wants an admission from Ibrox:
Honesty? That’d be nice for one Celtic fan who pointed out Rangers’ failings on Saturday:
This person summed up that even when Celtic are below par, Rangers still can’t touch them:
Finally, it’s clear for one Bhoy that as long as Rangers don’t examine their own failings, they’ll never bridge the gap: