Martin O’Neill states one reason why Celtic need Rangers to be ‘stronger’ in Scotland

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Nobody can stop Celtic right now.

Whatever anybody tries, no matter what manager Rangers put in the Ibrox dugout, it all results in the same thing again and again.

And that’s Celtic becoming champions of Scotland, things have become so dominant that, before a ball is kicked every season, fans far and wide, are expecting the Treble to be delivered.

On May 24, Brendan Rodgers might get his hands on another Treble when Celtic face Aberdeen in the Scottish Cup final at Hampden.

If that trophy is put in the bag, then it will be trophy number 11 over his two spells as the Celtic manager, including progression in the Champions League.

You just can’t see where any of this stops, but Martin O’Neill feels that Scotland’s most successful club still needs a push from the other side.

• READ MORE: Brendan Rodgers ranks current Celtic title win vs Invincibles season

Why Celtic need Rangers to be ‘stronger’

Rangers have parted ways with Barry Ferguson following the conclusion of the 2024/25 Premiership campaign, as Rodgers has seen off another manager from Ibrox.

But O’Neill thinks that Celtic might need their bitter rivals to be ‘stronger’ if they want to get better in the Champions League, as he told Sky Sports Football (17/05/25).

Celtic reached the knockout stages of the Champions League, before getting beaten in heartbreaking fashion to Bayern Munich, as the revamped format favoured the Bhoys.

And whilst O’Neill applauded those efforts, he still thinks more is needed, and it could come via the help of Rangers.

“You are talking about now,” said O’Neill. “Chris (Sutton) has mentioned the domination, and it is domination. Serious.

“Celtic can only do this thing. It’s up to Rangers and other football clubs to be better themselves.

“My only viewpoint is that, despite the brilliant run in European football this year, I do think Celtic need Rangers to be stronger, to stay strong themselves.”

Celtic and Rangers’ trophy haul since 2000/01

At the end of the day, the bread and butter is the league. Continue racking up those trophies, and everything will be fine.

Celtic are on a record-equalling 55th Premiership title, and everyone wants that record-breaker next season, even if it means slipping up in the Champions League.

Yes, supporters want more in Europe, but not at the expense of winning trophies on the domestic stage, because it has been one-way traffic for nearly three decades now.