Philippe Clement’s post-match interview after Rangers’ 3-0 loss to Celtic has sparked widespread confusion and criticism. The Rangers manager’s comments have been seen as a desperate attempt to deflect attention from his team’s poor performance and lack of preparation.
Clement’s claim that Celtic’s older starting lineup gave them an advantage has been thoroughly debunked by a closer examination of the facts. The average age of Rangers’ squad is 27.9, almost identical to Celtic’s 28.0. Furthermore, the starting lineups showed only a one-year difference in favor of Celtic, with an average age of 27.0 compared to Rangers’ 26.0.
This negligible difference in age cannot be the decisive factor in the match outcome. It is clear that Clement is trying to shift the focus away from his team’s lackluster performance and onto a non-issue. The substantial 3-0 scoreline is a reflection of Celtic’s superior tactics and player performance, not the slight age disparity between the two teams.
Clement’s attempt to use age as an excuse is a classic case of misdirection. By focusing on a trivial aspect of the game, he is trying to divert attention from the real issues that led to Rangers’ defeat. This approach is not only unconvincing but also undermines the credibility of the manager and the team.
Moreover, Clement’s comments have been seen as a slap in the face to his own players. By implying that they are too young and inexperienced to compete with Celtic, he is effectively saying that they are not good enough. This kind of negative talk can have a devastating impact on team morale and confidence.
In contrast, Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has shown once again why he is one of the top managers in Scotland. His team’s dominant performance was a testament to his tactical acumen and ability to get the best out of his players. Rodgers’ post-match comments were gracious and humble, acknowledging the superiority of his team’s performance without resorting to excuses or blame-shifting.
The contrast between the two managers’ approaches could not be more stark. While Rodgers is focused on building his team up and celebrating their success, Clement is busy making excuses and deflecting criticism. This difference in mindset and approach is reflected in the performance of the two teams on the pitch.
In conclusion, Philippe Clement’s post-match interview has been a public relations disaster for Rangers. His attempt to use age as an excuse for his team’s defeat has been thoroughly debunked, and his negative comments have undermined the credibility of the manager and the team. If Rangers are to have any hope of challenging Celtic for the title, they need a change in approach and mindset from their manager.
