Rangers Star Admits Brutal Celtic Reality That Philippe Clement Couldn’t After 3-0 Derby Defeat

The recent clash between Celtic and Rangers ended with a resounding 3-0 victory for Brendan Rodgers’ side, leaving many in the football world acknowledging Celtic’s dominance in the latest installment of the Old Firm derby. While Rangers’ manager Philippe Clement might have attempted to put a more optimistic spin on the game, one Rangers player has accepted the harsh reality that the Belgian tactician could not.

In a candid admission, Rangers’ new signing Vaclav Cerny expressed the brutal truth that Celtic had outclassed them in every aspect of the game. His statement stands in stark contrast to Clement’s earlier post-match comments, where the manager suggested that the match could have ended in a 3-3 draw.

Celtic’s Dominance on Display

Celtic’s superiority was evident from the start, with goals from Daizen Maeda, Kyogo Furuhashi, and captain Callum McGregor sealing a convincing 3-0 win. It wasn’t just the scoreline that illustrated Celtic’s dominance; they were quicker, sharper, and tactically superior to Rangers throughout the 90 minutes. For many observers, including pundits, the gap between the two Glasgow giants is widening, and Sunday’s result was proof of that.

Despite the clear evidence of Celtic’s strength, Philippe Clement was quick to downplay the significance of the loss. In his post-match interview, the Ibrox boss suggested that Rangers could have drawn level, pointing to missed opportunities. He implied that the 3-0 scoreline didn’t reflect the true balance of the match, claiming it could have been 3-3.

Clement’s comments, however, were widely dismissed as overly optimistic. Even Graeme Souness, a Rangers legend, expressed his frustrations on talkSPORT, launching into a tirade about the team’s performance and the growing gulf between the two sides.

Vaclav Cerny: A Voice of Reason

While Clement clung to his hopeful analysis, Vaclav Cerny took a more pragmatic approach. The new Rangers signing was brutally honest in his assessment of the match, admitting that his team had been thoroughly outplayed by their rivals.

Speaking to Rangers Review, Cerny said, “We didn’t do well at all; they outclassed us in everything. Now we have to catch them at any cost—that’s our main goal.” His words are a stark contrast to Clement’s optimism and reflect the daunting challenge Rangers face in closing the gap on Celtic.

Cerny went on to explain that the Old Firm derby was unlike any rivalry he had experienced before, describing it as “far bigger and more brutal” than anything he had encountered during his time playing in other European leagues.

“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,” he added.

The Growing Gap Between Celtic and Rangers

Cerny’s admission of Celtic’s superiority is not just a reflection of the recent derby but also of the wider state of Scottish football. Under Brendan Rodgers, Celtic have begun the season strongly, and they look like a side capable of pulling away from their traditional rivals.

On the other hand, Rangers have struggled to find consistency, both on and off the pitch. While Philippe Clement has only recently taken charge, the gap between the two clubs is apparent, and it will take a significant effort from Rangers to close it.

Cerny’s comments suggest that there is an acknowledgment within the Rangers squad that Celtic are currently on a different level. His candid admission of being outclassed is refreshing, especially when contrasted with Clement’s earlier remarks.

Celtic’s Opportunity to Increase the Pressure

As the season progresses, Celtic have a golden opportunity to pile even more pressure on their rivals. With their next match against Hearts at Celtic Park, the Bhoys could open up an eight-point lead over Rangers before the sides meet again. This would put Clement’s side under even greater scrutiny as they face a tricky away fixture against Dundee United.

A confident performance and victory for Celtic against Hearts would send a clear message to Rangers that they are the dominant force in Scottish football. For Clement, the upcoming fixture against Dundee United is already shaping up to be a must-win game. Any slip-ups would further expose the growing divide between the two clubs, both on and off the pitch.

What’s Next for Rangers?

Rangers’ next steps are crucial. They must find a way to respond to the challenges presented by Celtic and start putting together consistent performances. The admission from Cerny that they were outclassed should serve as motivation for the rest of the squad. If Rangers are to challenge Celtic for the title, they cannot afford to let the gap widen any further.

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Philippe Clement will need to address the issues that were apparent in the 3-0 defeat. While he might publicly downplay the significance of the result, there is no denying that the pressure is mounting. The Rangers faithful will expect a reaction, and anything less than a strong performance in their upcoming matches will only add to the scrutiny surrounding the Belgian coach.

Conclusion: Celtic’s Growing Dominance

Celtic’s comprehensive victory over Rangers in the latest Old Firm derby has reinforced their status as the dominant force in Scottish football. While Philippe Clement attempted to find silver linings in the defeat, Vaclav Cerny’s candid admission that Rangers were outclassed paints a more accurate picture of the current state of play.

As Celtic prepare to take on Hearts, they have the opportunity to extend their lead at the top of the table, while Rangers face the daunting task of bouncing back against Dundee United. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether Rangers can close the gap or if Celtic will continue to pull away.

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Source: 67 Hail Hail