Celtic had a fantastic season finale, adding the Scottish Cup to their Scottish Premiership title, which they won with a 5-0 away win against Kilmarnock last month.
After a season in which Celtic’s form fluctuated like a rollercoaster, Brendan Rodgers delivered two out of three titles, leaving the Hoops fans ecstatic and our rivals across the city devastated.
While the media narrative in January was about Celtic losing their way while Rangers were on the rise, Rodgers maintained his cool and his players delivered the goods while our opponents crumpled under the pressure.
Kenny Dalglish, a former Celtic icon, has recently added to the pressure.
Brendan Rodgers’ Celtic team went undefeated in five matches against Rangers last season, winning four and drawing one, maintaining the Hoops manager’s outstanding record against our opponents as well as Celtic’s overall record over the last three seasons.
And that was exactly what Dalglish called ‘absolutely unacceptable’ when he laid down the gauntlet to Clement for the following season.
Dalglish stated [The Sunday Post print edition page 73], “When it was important, they produced the goods. They defeated the Rangers four times and drew once. It was an excellent record.
“Rangers, on the other hand, need to find a way to beat their biggest rivals.
“From their point of view, their results in Old Firm matches in the last three years have been totally unacceptable.
“Sure, they can point to the fact all their defeats came by a single goal. They also played well in stages in the Scottish Cup final last week and had Celtic pinned back for spells.
“But since when was that good enough or acceptable for a club of that size with its success rate? The onus is now on Philippe Clement to find a way. And he’ll need to do it quickly.
“There is no room for more defeats.”
And why is there instant pressure on Clement? The first Glasgow Derby of the season will take place at Celtic Park next season.
If Clement loses, he will come under immediate pressure as his dismal streak against the Scottish champions continues.
And, as we all know, persistent failure to overcome your fiercest rivals does not bode well for any Rangers manager, especially given Celtic’s dominance over the last 24 years.
For more related news click Here