Leading up to the highly anticipated Scottish Cup final between Celtic and Rangers, former Celtic manager Neil Lennon has shared his thoughts on Rangers’ tactical struggles this season.
In an interview with PLZ Soccer, Lennon didn’t hold back in his assessment of Rangers under Philippe Clement, pinpointing their repeated failures in the derby matches against Celtic as a major issue.
Celtic has had the upper hand in the derby clashes this season, winning three out of four and drawing the other. According to Lennon, the main problem for Rangers has been their inability to adapt and counter Celtic’s strengths. “Celtic are just too strong,” Lennon emphasized, suggesting that Clement needs to make significant changes in strategy if Rangers want to have a chance at winning the final.
“He (Philippe Clement) needs to shake things up. Whether it’s changing the formation or bringing in new players, he can’t stick with the same approach as it clearly isn’t working,” Lennon remarked.
He continued, “Celtic are on another level. How can you push Tavernier forward? Focus less on trying to contain Maeda and maybe consider playing three at the back or using two strikers to disrupt Celtic’s build-up play. I don’t think this Rangers team is equipped to go toe-to-toe with Celtic. They lack the speed and creativity needed.”
It’s no secret that Celtic is the top team in Scotland. Despite facing challenges due to injuries this season, the team’s potential is clear when everyone is fit. With some smart investments and reinforcements in the summer, Celtic could soar to even greater heights next season.
