Celtic are looking to win their fourth-straight league title and not many could have predicted that they would be handed a chance to build up a gap against the Rangers on matchday one itself. Yet that is exactly what has happened with Philippe Clement's side only managing a goalless draw against Hearts.
The result comes on the back of a disappointing run of results in pre-season for the Rangers. And it looks like some of their supporters might be giving up on the league title race already.
Philippe Clement signed a new contract with the Rangers not too long ago. But it does feel like this side have been on a downward trajectory for a while, after the manager made a bright start to life in Scotland last season.
If things don't improve quickly then Clement could end up being shown the exit door in the middle of the season, just like Giovanni van Bronckhost and Mick Beale were. Some of the Rangers' supporters certainly do not seem to be convinced by the side and their ability to challenge Celtic for the league.
Horrendous. Will be closer to Hearts than Celtic this season.
— 👤 (@FacelessRanger) August 3, 2024
Same old loser mentality, same old results.
— Rangers Chat (@RangersChat1873) August 3, 2024
Rangers fans give up on title already as Celtic handed major chance
Of course, Celtic cannot afford to spend too much time dwelling on the Rangers' results. They have a job to do themselves this weekend.
The Scottish champions will begin their title defence at home against Kilmarnock. Brendan Rodgers' side are the favourites for sure but football is not played on paper, and they will need to go out and get the result.
The positive going into the match is that Celtic have looked to be in great form in pre-season. They have gotten themselves wins over Manchester City and Chelsea recently. Hopefully, they will carry that into the new campaign and not be inconsistent like last season.