In football, momentum is everything, and a win in the high-stakes Old Firm derby can spark optimism.
However, for Rangers’ Philippe Clement, that victory alone won’t guarantee job security if he doesn’t address his team’s shortcomings in the upcoming match at Easter Road.
Celtic’s Struggles Highlight Need for Tactical Adjustments
Brendan Rodgers, despite facing some criticism last season, has largely silenced his detractors with his approach to Celtic’s game.
His tactical flexibility has helped the team climb to the top of the league, even while some continued to question his methods.
His remarks about Celtic’s attacking style, despite their goal-scoring record, showcase his dry humor, but also his awareness of his team’s progress.
However, the defeat at Ibrox to Rangers has raised some serious concerns.
While Celtic’s position in the league remains secure and they’ve bagged the Premier Sports Cup, the Ibrox loss serves as a stark reminder that challenges still loom.
The focus now needs to shift towards strengthening their squad further, especially after the summer’s financial investments haven’t yet fully paid off.
Rangers’ Underperformance: Clement’s Key to Reversing the Trend
For Philippe Clement, the road ahead isn’t just about recovering from one win—it’s about consistent improvement.
Despite the Old Firm victory, his Rangers side remains 11 points behind Celtic.
The team’s away form, with just three wins in nine, leaves much to be desired.
Clement faces mounting pressure, and the game against Hibernian could be make or break.
His decision-making early in the season raised eyebrows.
Players like Ianis Hagi and Nicolas Raskin, who had been sidelined for much of the campaign, are now crucial to the team’s successes.
Clement’s ability to adapt may have been driven by necessity, but his decisions now need to prove themselves with continued results.
The upcoming fixtures will determine whether Clement can turn the corner or if the honeymoon period will soon come to an end.
Philippe Clement Faces More than the Old Firm Victory
While the Rangers win against Celtic may have given Clement temporary relief, it doesn’t erase the fact that his team’s overall performance still needs significant improvement.
With further struggles anticipated, particularly on the road, Clement needs to focus on consistency and address weaknesses before the season slips away from him.
The pressure is on, and the stakes are high as he prepares his team for the challenge at Easter Road.
A loss here could undo the goodwill built by the Celtic win, and Clement will find himself facing an even more intense spotlight.
Celtic’s European Ambitions Still Unfulfilled Despite Positive Signs
Back in Celtic’s camp, Rodgers has shown his tactical prowess, notably in the Champions League.
The team’s hard-fought draw against Atalanta and a solid win over RB Leipzig prove they are capable of competing at a high level.
However, as Rodgers himself pointed out, the ultimate goal this season is securing a place in the knockout rounds of Europe.
The next match against Young Boys is crucial, and anything less than a win could derail their ambitions.
The challenge for Celtic now is maintaining that focus and ensuring they don’t slip up against lesser teams, especially with a crucial match-up against Young Boys just around the corner.
Steve Clarke’s Challenge: Making Lewis Ferguson a Scotland Staple
As the transfer window reopens, the rumour mill continues to churn with speculation around Lewis Ferguson’s future.
The 25-year-old Bologna midfielder is attracting attention from major clubs like Inter Milan, but Ferguson’s next big step is breaking into Scotland’s starting lineup.
Steve Clarke faces the challenge of finding a way to integrate Ferguson into the national team more regularly, which would be a fitting reward for the midfielder’s growth abroad.
For Clarke, making Ferguson a regular part of his squad should be a top priority as Scotland looks ahead to upcoming international competitions.
Ferguson’s impressive return from injury and consistent form with Bologna has made him one of the most exciting prospects for the national team.
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