When it comes to football, especially the historic Old Firm rivalry between Celtic and Rangers, emotions run high. This was evident when Martin O’Neill, the former Celtic manager, recently called out Graeme Souness for his views on the state of the Celtic vs Rangers rivalry following Celtic’s 3-0 thrashing of Rangers in the latest Old Firm derby. O’Neill did not mince words, accusing Souness of deluding himself regarding the current gap between the two Glasgow clubs.
What Sparked the Controversy?
After Celtic’s dominant performance against Rangers in a match that saw the Hoops extend their supremacy over their rivals, Graeme Souness appeared on talkSPORT and suggested that the gap between the two teams was not as vast as some might think. Souness argued that while Celtic is ahead, the difference mainly lies in financial power and striker quality. Rangers, he claimed, were still capable of giving Celtic a close match over 90 minutes.
Souness’ viewpoint, however, did not sit well with O’Neill. The former Celtic boss, who guided the club to numerous titles during his tenure, was quick to counter Souness’ claims. According to O’Neill, the gulf between the two clubs is not just a gap; it’s a “chasm,” and he described Souness as “deluding himself” for thinking otherwise.
O’Neill’s Take on the Celtic-Rangers Gap
In an interview following Souness’ comments, O’Neill pulled no punches. He emphasized that Celtic’s recent victory was not just about a few key moments but about a significant overall difference in quality. O’Neill noted that while a single match might appear competitive, the reality is that Celtic are far superior, and this is evident not only in recent results but also in the broader trajectory of both clubs over the past few seasons.
O’Neill pointed out that Rangers’ financial struggles and poor recruitment have left them in a difficult position. In contrast, Celtic, under Brendan Rodgers’ second tenure, continue to dominate domestically. O’Neill added that for Celtic to maintain their strength, they need a strong Rangers side to challenge them, but currently, that challenge is nowhere to be seen.
Souness’ Defense of Rangers
Souness, a former Rangers player and manager, defended his stance by highlighting Rangers’ financial constraints. He noted that while Celtic had spent more in recent transfer windows, Rangers were operating under more restrictive conditions. He admitted that there was a gap but argued that it wasn’t as enormous as some suggested. He pointed to tight scorelines in certain games as evidence that Rangers could still compete with their rivals on their day.
However, Souness also acknowledged the challenges Rangers face, including inconsistent performances and a lack of squad depth compared to Celtic. His belief that Rangers could still close the gap was met with skepticism, particularly after their poor showing in the recent derby.
Celtic’s Continued Dominance
The numbers speak for themselves. Celtic has won 12 out of the last 13 Scottish Premiership titles, with Rangers only managing to win in the 2020/21 season, which many fans and pundits argue was heavily influenced by the absence of fans in stadiums due to the pandemic. Celtic’s consistency, both in terms of league titles and domestic cup success, has kept them miles ahead of Rangers in recent years.
Under Brendan Rodgers, Celtic has continued to assert their dominance, and their squad’s depth and quality have made them the team to beat in Scotland. In contrast, Rangers have struggled to build a team capable of consistently challenging Celtic at the top. This disparity was highlighted once again in the 3-0 Old Firm result, where Celtic’s superiority was clear.
What Does This Mean for Rangers?
O’Neill’s comments reflect the frustration that many within the Celtic camp feel towards Rangers’ inability to mount a serious challenge. He pointed out that Celtic needs a strong Rangers side to push them, particularly when it comes to competing in European competitions. A weak domestic rivalry can lead to complacency, which could hurt Celtic when they face stronger European opponents.
For Rangers, the message is clear: they need to improve their recruitment and invest in building a squad capable of competing at the highest level. While Souness believes the gap is bridgeable, O’Neill and many others argue that significant changes are needed at Ibrox if Rangers are to close the chasm that currently exists between them and Celtic.
Conclusion: The Reality of the Old Firm Rivalry
The debate between Martin O’Neill and Graeme Souness underscores the complexity of the Celtic vs Rangers rivalry. While both clubs have rich histories and passionate fan bases, the current reality is that Celtic is streets ahead of Rangers, both on and off the pitch. O’Neill’s brutal assessment of Souness’ optimism serves as a reality check for those who believe that the gap between the two clubs is anything but vast.
As Celtic continues to dominate, Rangers must take stock and consider how they can rebuild to once again become serious challengers. Until then, O’Neill’s words will likely resonate with Celtic fans, who will relish their team’s superiority over their biggest rivals.
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