‘Had my suspicions’ – Neil Lennon Piles on Philippe Clement Misery

In a candid talk with PLZ Soccer, Neil Lennon, former manager of Celtic, expressed his doubts about the adaptability of Rangers’ current boss, Philippe Clement, to the high-pressure environment at Ibrox. Lennon’s remarks come in the wake of Rangers’ disappointing performance in recent Scottish Premiership matches, which has seen them fall behind in the title race.

Lennon, who has extensive experience in the Scottish top flight and the pressure that comes with it, highlighted Rangers’ recent form as a cause for concern. “I had my suspicions about Rangers after the Game against Celtic. I thought in the first half they were poor, mentally as well,” Lennon said. He noted that despite a spirited comeback in the second half, the overall level of performance was troubling. Celtic were unlucky not to win the Game in front of 50k Rangers supporters.

The past three Games, Rangers faced crucial fixtures against Celtic, Ross County, and Dundee — Games that could have propelled them five points clear at the top of the league table. However, outcomes fell short of expectations with the team securing only two points from a possible nine in these encounters. The setbacks included a draw with Celtic, another draw with Dundee, and a surprising loss to Ross County.

These results have handed a significant advantage to Celtic who are three points ahead with only five Games remaining in the season. Lennon believes the Hoops now have the imPetus to go on and win the league, “They have totally handed the initiative to Celtic, and Celtic have been there and done it.”

Clement, who took over Rangers earlier in the season, has struggled to manage the expectations and pressure that come with leading a club of Rangers’ stature. He lived a charmed life in the Scottish media, we got a glimpse of his fragility after Celtic won the new years Glasgow Derby where he declared his team were better on the day.

Two wins from eight sees the Belgian a bit rattled to say the least. Celtic and Rangers have one more date before the end of the season, in a match that will have huge ramifications for the title.

Both sides can still win the title, and three points, while better than being behind, doesn’t guarantee anything.