‘Philippe Clement hasn’t been able to…’ Martin O’Neill reacts to Jim White’s Celtic-Rangers question

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A huge month of football awaits Celtic.

Brendan Rodgers’ team is flying and the fans have very little to complain about as the hectic festive period has already kicked in.

Celtic are four points clear of Aberdeen in the table, they have a League Cup final against Rangers to look forward to and their final Champions League match of 2024.

Get all of that right, then the fans will be heading into the New Year with a spring in their step because it will start with a bang – an away trip to Ibrox.

But, of course, the game everyone is looking forward to the most is the Hampden showdown and a chance for Celtic to win the first trophy of the campaign on December 15.

Given that Rangers are 11 points behind the champions in the table and Philippe Clement is producing sleep-walking football, then there is more pressure on the other side to win something and his job is at risk.

That was touched upon by Martin O’Neill, who shared his thoughts on that final, and the pressure Clement is under.

Martin O’Neill says it’s ‘unlikely’ Rangers beat Celtic in League Cup final

In terms of the pressure of the job, O’Neill feels it ‘must-win’ for Rangers against Celtic, although, he doesn’t think they can do it.

O’Neill highlighted how it’s ‘must-win’ for ‘credibility’, but rightfully pointed out that Clement has never beaten Celtic during his time in charge.

Rodgers has seen many Rangers managers go by during his days in Glasgow – first and second spell – and you sense the same might happen here.

“Are Rangers capable of beating Celtic,” asked Jim White and O’Neill responded: “They have a very big game coming up in the League Cup final. That is so, so important for Rangers. Really important for them to try and win the game.

“Again, on a given day, it is possible. Of course, it’s possible. I think unlikely, but it’s possible for them to win a game. This is a must-win for Rangers this League Cup. Must-win for credibility and for everything under the sun and for the season ahead.

On if Clement needs to beat Celtic: “All managers need wins. This is very important for him, as much as anything else, because he hasn’t been able to beat Celtic.”

Philippe Clement’s record as Rangers manager against Celtic

Celtic are unbeaten on the domestic circuit and they have put up some serious performances in Europe.

If the Bhoys are anywhere near their best for the final, then Rodgers will be lifting yet another trophy and the Treble will be on.

The last time the duo met in September, Celtic ran out as 3-0 winners and that now makes it five games where Clement is winless against the champions of Scotland.