Former Celtic star Chris Sutton has weighed in on the pressure mounting on Rangers boss Philippe Clement ahead of Thursday’s Glasgow Derby at Ibrox.
With a 14-point gap separating the two sides at the top of the Scottish Premiership, Sutton believes Clement’s future hinges on securing a victory over Brendan Rodgers’ dominant Celtic side.
Clement’s position has become increasingly precarious following a series of disappointing domestic results. Rangers’ 2-2 draw with Motherwell—a game where VAR wrongly denied Motherwell the chance to go 3-1 up—has only intensified the ire of the Ibrox fans.
Speaking on the It’s All Kicking Off podcast, Sutton dismissed the likelihood of Clement being removed before the derby but stressed the enormity of the occasion for the Belgian manager:
“I don’t think he’ll be sacked before Thursday’s game against Celtic. I think it’s a must-win for him. I do think it’s a must-win.
“I think he’s hanging on now, but I think the Rangers fans have sort of had enough. Europe’s kept him in a job up until now.
“Fourteen points the gap between Celtic and Rangers at the top of the SPFL. And as I say, they play on Thursday at Ibrox. Rangers drew 2-2 at Motherwell at the weekend.
“Even from my distance, that is unacceptable. It has to be unacceptable. If that goes to 17 points, what’s the point of continuing?”
While Clement initially appeared to steady the ship following his appointment, Rangers’ inconsistent domestic form has undermined his tenure. The gap to Celtic at the top of the table has widened, and failure to secure a result against their fiercest rivals would likely spell the end of their already slim title hopes.
Celtic, meanwhile, arrive at Ibrox in imperious form, having extended their unbeaten domestic run this season with a 4-0 win over St Johnstone. Brendan Rodgers’ side have scored 52 league goals while conceding just four, and they will relish the opportunity to heap further misery on their Glasgow rivals.
Firstly a win or a draw would stop Sevco fans from still scabbling along with the the ‘we are still ranjierz’ we won all the cups that were removed after liquidation’ monicer. They have still got (in reality) second place to play for.
Unless Jimmie Theraminz team rise like a red or dead phoenix, to challenge yet again.
But both stand on Sandie ground, based on budgets and player availability.