Philippe Clement Embraces Excitement Ahead Of Old Firm Derby

As the cinch Premiership title race intensifies, Rangers' manager Philippe Clement is brimming with anticipation for the upcoming Old Firm clash against Celtic at Ibrox. With Rangers trailing by a mere point and holding a game in hand, the stakes couldn't be higher. This match marks a significant moment for Clement, being his first home Glasgow derby since taking charge. Despite the high pressure, Clement's approach is one of excitement rather than anxiety.

"No, I love it. I'm not nervous, I'm excited about it, I'm looking forward to it," Clement stated, emphasizing the importance of embracing such high-stake matches. He expressed unwavering confidence in both his squad and the Rangers fans, viewing the game as an opportunity for growth and improvement. The Belgian boss is focused on elevating the team's performance level through these challenging encounters.

Clement also highlighted the need to pay special attention to Celtic captain Callum McGregor, who is poised to make a comeback from injury. McGregor's influence in midfield has been pivotal in Celtic's recent victories over Rangers, including a 1-0 win at Ibrox and a 2-1 triumph at Parkhead. While acknowledging McGregor's quality, Clement pointed out that success against Celtic would require neutralizing their key players without focusing solely on one individual.

"He's a very good player and he's somebody with a lot of quality," Clement remarked about McGregor. However, he also noted that victory involves a comprehensive strategy that accounts for the strengths of the entire opposing team. As Rangers aim to reclaim the title from their arch-rivals, Clement's blend of enthusiasm and strategic planning sets the stage for an electrifying Old Firm derby.

The anticipation builds as both teams prepare for a confrontation that could significantly influence the Premiership title race. With Clement at the helm, Rangers are not just aiming for success in this particular match but are also looking towards continuous improvement and achieving higher levels of success in the future.