The search for a new manager has finally come to an end at Ibrox and Celtic fans finally know who Brendan Rodgers will be going up against next, former AS Monaco boss Philippe Clement. The Belgian arrives with a big reputation although it remains to be seen if he can deliver in Glasgow. It certainly comes with unique pressure.
When was the last time a manager really succeeded at Ibrox? That is a fair question to ask. Some might say Steven Gerrard and he did prevent 10IAR. But then he won just one trophy in more than three years. Giovanni van Bronckhorst won a Scottish Cup and guided them to the Europa League final, but still lasted only a year. Michael Beale clearly could not meet expectations and won nothing.
Clement does seem to have more pedigree than all three of them. He won three straight league titles in Belgium. His run at AS Monaco was not terrible either.
But then, one cannot forget the quality of Rodgers. He almost won the league with Liverpool. He won the FA Cup with Leicester City. The Northern Irishman lifted seven trophies in his first stint at Parkhead. You have to give him the advantage in any head-to-head comparison with Clement. And then there is the difference between Celtic and the Rangers as clubs.
New Rangers manager Clement sent blunt Celtic message already
As reported by 67 Hail Hail, Andy Walker said on Go Radio:
"“Absolutely this Rangers team could win a trophy before the year is out.“I don’t think this Rangers squad. This Rangers XI, whatever strongest XI it is. I don’t think they are capable of challenging Celtic for the title.“So, if the title slips by this year. What’s the format for next season? I only see Celtic getting stronger. They have a manager that everyone is backing. And they have got money to spend.“He is up against it. Up against a team that’s really strong on the other side of the city. They are winning nearly every trophy.”"
The fact of the matter is that Celtic are in a much stronger situation right now. On the other hand, the Rangers find themselves staring at another rebuild.
Of course, it remains to be seen how Clement does in the Ibrox hot seat. One should expect a new manager bounce with the Rangers over the coming months. Celtic must make sure they maintain their lead.