We’re not even a week into pre-season and the narratives surrounding the new campaign already paint a picture of significant pressure on Rangers up against the challenge of Celtic.
It was only a few months ago that headlines and punditry focused on things going wrong at Celtic Park under Brendan Rodgers.
That irked the Bhoys camp and Rodgers ended up using some of that media coverage as motivation for his players to lose just once in 25 matches on their way to a league and cup double.
Having proved themselves in that cauldron, attention has switched back across the city where pre-season preparations aren’t going very well.
It has been made public that Ibrox won’t be ready for matches at the start of the new campaign, with Rangers looking for an alternative ‘home’ venue until further notice. It all results from a delay in the acquisition of materials needed to complete construction work.
Kenny Dalglish signals Rangers troubles as new Celtic title race begins
For Celtic legend Kenny Dalglish it’s a big problem that immediately puts Philippe Clement’s side under more strain in a new title race with the Bhoys.
He said [Sunday Post, 30/06 print edition]: “They do not seem to have an exact delivery date for when it will be in their possession. It means they cannot play any home games between now and the end of August. It may well be longer than that. There is speculation that it could be as long as September or October. Nobody can be certain at this stage and we need to see how this plays out.
“However, what is clear is that this is far from ideal for Philippe Clement, his staff and his players. With so much at stake in the first few weeks of the season, they would want all of their pre-season to be smooth and stress-free. There is always enough to worry about when it comes to the £40 million Champions League qualifiers and getting off to the best possible start in the Premiership.
“August can make or break a season. In that month last year, under Michael Beale, Gers crashed out of the Champions League and lost their opening league fixture at Kilmarnock. Philippe is now in charge and faces an away day at Hearts on the opening day. That will not be easy.”
Dalglish is one of several pundits this week who have noted the pressure ramping up on Rangers with Kris Boyd and Kenny Miller also sounding concerned.
The SPFL’s schedule of fixtures released on Thursday also confirmed there will be an early-season derby at Celtic Park before the end of August, too. That’ll be an opportunity to turn the screw.
Celtic have managed to completely flip the script in Glasgow in a short period. From a much-hyped Rangers to one on the precipice of serious troubles, if the Bhoys do proper and constructive transfer work this summer then they will be well-placed to bury Clement’s side for another year.
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