Brendan Rodgers has reflected on how Celtic managed to overcome a rocky start last season, transforming it into a league and cup double that not only left Rangers struggling but also widened the financial divide between the Glasgow rivals, ultimately contributing to Philippe Clement’s downfall.
Rangers had genuine confidence that last season’s title was within their reach, with many at Ibrox viewing it as a potential turning point. Winning the league would have secured the financial benefits of Champions League participation, offering a significant boost that could have reshaped their future.
However, it was Celtic who capitalized on the opportunity, reaping the rewards of competing in Europe’s elite competition this season. This further strengthened their financial position and extended the gap between the two clubs.
Rodgers acknowledged the challenges Celtic faced early in the season, stating: “I think we didn’t get off to the best of starts last season when I came in, certainly in terms of consistency and performance level. I think when Philippe [Clement] came in, obviously, they had that bounce and had a really good run.”
Clement’s arrival at Rangers initially sparked optimism, but Celtic’s ability to regain their footing proved decisive.
“Once we started to find our feet and get our rhythm, and then I think how we dealt with pressure, we dealt with it really, really well,” Rodgers told CeltsAreHere.
The Celtic manager praised his team’s resilience, emphasizing how their consistent performances during the critical stages of the season were key to their success. “It’s a great credit to the players and how they’ve coped with that and how they’ve consistently performed,” he added.
Celtic’s domestic achievements not only brought silverware but also ensured a substantial financial boost from their Champions League campaign. For Rangers, the contrast is stark, as missing out on those financial rewards has made the task of closing the gap on Celtic even more challenging.
While Clement’s initial impact at Ibrox offered a glimmer of hope, the long-term reality has been harsh. The title that Rangers believed would be theirs instead served to solidify Celtic’s dominance both on and off the pitch.
