Celtic fans would have been frustrated at times watching the club’s game against Hearts, despite their 4-3 win. Even though VAR was in place, a number of decisions went against the Hoops, including one that looked like a stonewall penalty as the ball struck a opposition defender’s arm in the box. Somehow, it was not given.
The frustration would soon turn into delight though, as the Rangers could only manage a 1-1 draw against Livingston, leaving them trailing Celtic by four points in the Premiership table.
It is not just the gap that will be putting pressure on the Rangers but also the fact that it seems like their fans have turned on the manager and want him to be shown the exit door. Neither the performances nor the results have been impressive in recent times and the boos have been audible at Ibrox.
Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s comments after the game did sound like coming from someone who was feeling the pressure. As reported by The Scotsman, when asked if the players are still buying into what he is trying to do, the Rangers manager said:
"“What can I say? I am trying my best. As a manager, you have to stick with your beliefs, with your way of playing, and sometimes it is not going the right way. I also understand that. It is one thing for sure when you are not performing as a coach, as a team, when you are not getting your results then of course people will not buy into it. That is not just for me that is for every coach in this profession. You see if it is not going well then eventually it is end of story. That is for everyone. But I think we can still turn it around.”"
Celtic fans will be delighted by Van Bronckhorst’s comments after the Rangers’ draw
It is safe to say that the pressure has been growing on Van Bronckhorst for the past several weeks.
Their results in the Champions League have been terrible, including a 7-1 defeat at the hands of an out of form Liverpool recently, who lost to bottom placed Nottingham Forest this weekend.
On the other hand, even when the Rangers have won games, they have been narrow victories and the performances have left a lot to be desired.
Whether Van Bronckhorst remains at Ibrox or not, does not matter to Celtic, but this is a great opportunity to increase the gap at the top with their Glasgow rivals struggling for any sort of form.