The Scottish Premiership often gets a bad reputation for being one that is dominated by only two teams, Celtic and the Rangers. But the same can be said about almost every top league in Europe right now. Manchester City have won five of the last six Premier League titles. Bayern Munich have won the Bundesliga eleven straight times. Barcelona and Real Madrid dominate Spanish football. And PSG are by far the best team in France.
The two-horse race in the Scottish Premiership has become a bit one-sided over the past decade. Celtic have won eleven of the past twelve league titles. They have also won five domestic trebles over the previous seven campaigns.
Thus, it will be interesting to see if the Rangers are able to challenge Celtic next season. The exit of Ange Postecoglou would have given them hope, but Brendan Rodgers has come in as his replacement. The Northern Irishman won seven trophies in his previous stint in the Parkhead hot seat, every domestic competition that his team competed in.
Some of Pep Guardiola’s comments might not go down well with Celtic supporters though. As reported by the Daily Record, the Manchester City manager said last season:
"“To win more than one title you have to have top, top players. And top players cost money. When Bayern Munich or Barcelona or Madrid or United or Milan or Celtic in Glasgow with Rangers – Celtic win more titles because they have more money than the other clubs. So the way we are doing it, every manager has his own way.”"
Manchester City boss Guardiola makes Celtic claim
On one hand, it is very true that Celtic have the most money in the Scottish Premiership. But at the same time, the difference in transfer spending is not huge when compared to the Rangers.
What Celtic have done better in the past couple of seasons is identifying the right players. One cannot forget the situation that they were in after the 2020/21 campaign, having finished trophyless, 25 points behind the Rangers in the league and in need of a squad rebuild.
Yes, the ability to go out and sign so many players has helped. But there have been plenty of other reasons behind the success that the Hoops have enjoyed over the past decade or so.