Václav Černý delivered a grim assessment following Celtic’s 3-0 demolition of Rangers last weekend, openly admitting his side were “outclassed in everything.”
The Czech winger was largely ineffective during the match at Parkhead, a dominant display from Celtic that left Rangers chasing shadows.
Černý recognised that Celtic were in full control from the outset, making it clear that the race for the title now hinges on chasing down their Glasgow rivals, who sit five points clear heading into the international break.
Reflecting on his first taste of the Glasgow derby, Černý was struck by the intensity and sheer scale of the occasion. He revealed that it far exceeded the rivalries he had witnessed growing up in the Czech Republic, particularly the famed Prague derby between Sparta and Slavia.
“We didn’t do well at all, they outclassed us in everything,” said Černý. “Now we have to catch them at any cost, that’s our main goal. I haven’t seen such a rivalry for a long time. Of course, I never played for Sparta Prague or Slavia Prague in their derby.
“But compared with our main derby it is far bigger and more brutal.”
While the derby result was a bitter pill to swallow for Rangers, Černý has otherwise enjoyed his time in Glasgow since joining the club. The Wolfsburg loanee has relished the opportunity to establish himself in a new environment and is enthusiastic about what lies ahead, particularly on the European stage.
Rangers have been drawn against some of the continent’s top clubs in the Europa League, including Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur, and Černý is relishing the chance to test himself against such elite opposition.
“I am happy here at Rangers so far. I am playing in Europe, which I wouldn’t have got at Wolfsburg. And my own personal situation on the pitch is good too, which is what I wanted.
“We were disappointed to go out of the Champions League because it was hugely affected by the meaningless red card we got. It was a shame we lost it in such a way. At least we were able to go straight to the Europa League after that.
“The draw is wonderful. I’m most looking forward to playing against the big names, of course, but also to the atmosphere at home games. It will be a great experience. I wouldn’t say leaving Wolfsburg was inevitable, but it was my wish. And I’m very glad that a club like Rangers entered into negotiations with me, and then it went quickly.
“For me, it was the obvious choice. A lot of people ask me about the Scottish League, and I would like to say that I don’t think it is significantly different from other top European competitions.
“There are obviously better-quality clubs and lesser-quality ones. The top four teams in Scotland at least all have great football quality. Now I hope to be involved in the national team. I played against Georgia from the start at the Euros this summer but was substituted.
“But we dominated them, and if we do that again in our next game against them, we can win.”
As Rangers gear up for their European campaign and the remainder of the domestic season, Černý’s focus is firmly on closing the gap on Celtic and pushing for further success with his new club.