The Hoops striker played in the previous Old Firm Scottish Cup final 22 years ago and previews this one for Record Sport.
Brendan Rodgers is determined to win this Scottish Cup Final. So does Philippe Clement. But the Belgian needs it more than the other.
Let’s be clear: there is no such thing as cushioned disappointment if you lose a major final to your closest rivals at Hampden. I understand. I have been through it. The previous time the teams played in this extravaganza was 22 years ago. It stings, regardless matter what else has happened during the season. However, when I consider the potential consequences of this interaction, I can’t help but feel it’s all about more benefits for Rodgers, whereas Clement has a lot more to lose.
The Celtic boss has been riding the wave for the previous several days. In Scotland, winning the Premiership is all that matters. For numerous reasons. Being champions immediately confers the No. 1 status, and in any country, that title takes precedence over any previous achievement in cup tournaments. The fact that it also includes automatic qualification back into the Champions League group stages just adds to the prize, especially with the new format next season, which promises more guaranteed games and more money.
That gives Rodgers more money to spend this summer as he attempts to improve the squad, while also keeping that money away from Ibrox. Clement needs to make quality acquisitions, and the extra monies from reaching the group stages would have been really helpful. Of course, the Rangers could yet get there. However, you cannot guarantee it right now, so you cannot realistically budget for it. Not if you’re being reasonable, anyway.
So, in some sense, Rodgers has already won the major battle. Celtic’s manager is less concerned about the final now that the Premiership trophy has been secured. Of course he is desperate to win. He wants a Double, and so do his supporters. However, if Celtic lose, despite their disappointment, those fans will continue to have faith in their boss.
Rodgers has delivered the one that counts in a season where it could have slipped away, demonstrating that he is still a maestro of the Old Firm fixture. With three victories and a draw from four matches, and 13 wins from 17 overall, Celtic fans know they have a manager capable of dealing with their fiercest rivals, and he will not be questioned in the future.
That stands in sharp contrast to the emotions that surround Clement today and will intensify if he loses. Rangers’ victory would provide some solace in the wake of their Premiership downfall, which came unexpectedly and spectacularly in recent games.
When Clement went into the building to replace Michael Beale, the thought of winning two trophies by the end of May would have piqued the fans’ interest, and adding a Scottish Cup to his Viaplay Cup would undoubtedly be a good start.
However, some fans’ misgivings have begun to arise as a result of the Belgian’s performance in games against Celtic. Clement sent his club to Celtic Park for his first Old Firm match in the new year, with the champions wobbling and ready to be beaten. Rangers were unable to complete the task and lost. He was given something of a free pass because it was his first.
The second was a home game and the chance to really put a foot on Celtic’s neck in terms of the title race. Yet, again, Rangers didn’t do the job. They were blown away in a dreadful first period and lucky to get in at just 2-0 down. With nothing to lose, you had to offer some credit for the way they fought back to get a point, but the facts are it was a chance blown and making statements afterwards about moral victories was not the approach to be talking in that specific situation.
The third game, which took place a fortnight ago, was by far the worst. Rangers were sluggish, didn’t get going until they were 2-0 down, lost discipline after a player was sent off, and bettors questioned both his starting lineup and his substitutions that day. This followed Clement’s bizarre charges of disrespect from Rodgers over the enjoyable stuff. It contributed to a questionable total effort.
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