The opening stretch of the 2024/25 season has gone almost perfectly for Celtic. In 11 matches, they’ve scored 36 goals, secured 10 victories, and suffered just one loss – an away defeat to Borussia Dortmund, last season’s Champions League finalists.
Brendan Rodgers has his squad well-drilled and ready to push on, bolstered by a busy summer transfer window.
Many of the new recruits are already jostling for places in the starting eleven, with some beginning to acclimatise to the demands of Celtic football. It’s a team firing on all cylinders, prepared to reach even higher levels.
Rangers, meanwhile, are navigating turbulent waters. Off the pitch, chaos looms large, and on it, performances have been underwhelming. Knocked out of Europe early, humiliated in the derby, and now trailing Celtic by five points in the Premiership, Rangers are looking increasingly adrift.
Fans have started questioning the direction under new manager Philippe Clement. Discontent has spread among pundits as well, with former Rangers striker Kris Boyd among those voicing concerns about the club’s trajectory.
Kris Boyd’s Verdict on Celtic and Rangers:
Boyd shared his thoughts during a recent episode of The Warm-Up YouTube show, where he joined hosts Gordon Duncan and Sam North alongside Falkirk manager John McGlynn. Reflecting on Celtic’s blistering start to the season, Boyd was quick to highlight the gulf between the two Glasgow rivals.
“Domestically, when you look at Celtic, they are by far the best team in the league,” he said.
He went on to emphasise the importance of harmony within the club, suggesting Celtic’s off-pitch unity has translated into their on-field success.
“From behind the scenes as well, that goes a long way. We’ve seen clubs in the past when they’ve had good teams on the pitch, but off the field, there might be something bubbling away in the background that might be about to kick off, and all of a sudden, that transfers onto the pitch.
“I think Celtic right now are in a very good place off and on the pitch. Look at the performances they’ve shown. Even last weekend (against Ross County), it wasn’t their best, but they go to the bench to bring on energy that lifts them and gets them a result.”
When the discussion turned to Rangers, Boyd’s tone shifted to frustration, reflecting the growing dissatisfaction among fans.
“Listen, it’s hard for me to sit here, in terms of ‘it’s a project’, I don’t think Rangers Football Club should ever be a project. That’s just me. When I grew up, it was a winning machine. It has been different recently, and you have to give Celtic credit for that.”
Boyd pointed out the challenges of squad instability at Rangers, contrasting it with the cohesion at Celtic.
“There were a lot of changes over the summer. This has been one of Rangers’ problems for a number of years now.
“I don’t think that the recruitment policy or the players that have been brought in have strengthened the eleven as such.
“Whereas Celtic, they’ve gone and signed Arne Engels and he’s straight in the team, he plays. Even if you go back to Reo Hatate, he’s straight in the team.
“They’re signing players that make the eleven better. That’s the only way you can create a healthy squad that is going to get better.”
His frustrations with the lack of continuity at Rangers were plain. “I don’t see it at Rangers. I don’t see it. We’re now in October, I couldn’t name Rangers’ best eleven right now, and I don’t think Philippe Clement can either, hence the reason he’s changing players every single week.”
Celtic’s Winning Formula: Unity, Smart Recruitment, and Mentality
Rangers appear stuck in a rut, even though they still manage to pick up wins against other Scottish sides on occasion. Yet it’s Celtic who seem miles ahead, underpinned by unity, a clear ambition, and clever recruitment.
Rodgers’ squad, fuelled by meaningful investment, continues to target transfer markets beyond Rangers’ reach.
The disparity in resources, planning, and mentality is plain for all to see. That Rodgers’ men are marching ahead should come as no surprise.
The Celtic side Boyd nostalgically referred to as “a winning machine” is now back – only this time, it’s the Bhoys who embody that relentless spirit.
With focus, hard work, and a refusal to rest on their laurels, Celtic look poised to remain at the top, not just this season but for the foreseeable future. If their rivals are to keep pace, they’ll need to close a widening gap – and fast.