BBC pundit claims Rangers haven’t won anything, Celtic still title favourites.
Despite losing their lead at the top of the SPFL, Celtic remain championship favourites and have superior technical players than Rangers, according to Alan Stubbs.
On February 20, the BBC commentator told Alison McConnell for PLZ Soccer that Philippe Clement has done an amazing job of turning things around, but stated he has yet to win anything, despite winning the Viaplay Cup in December.
He accepted the Hoops will be underdogs at Ibrox on April 7, but believes Brendan Rodgers’ side is more likely to win the title.
Stubbs stated (2m 10s): “I believe the remaining Old Firm games will be critical to the outcome of this title. Celtic will go into the Old Firm clash at Ibrox as underdogs since Rangers currently have all the momentum.
“Do I believe this Rangers team is significantly superior than Celtic? “I do not.”
He went on to remark (3m 30s): “The response that Philippe Clement has received from his players in terms of not only results but how they’ve bought into his style of management, you can’t say it hasn’t been impressive; he’s done a pretty fantastic job up to now, despite not winning anything.
“So we have to state that reality, and I believe that the critical matches on which Rangers will be assessed are coming up. We might have this conversation in four or six weeks and say something else.
“But it’s true that Philippe Clement has transformed this group of Rangers players into a formidable team. I don’t think they’re as good technically as the Celtic club, but I believe he’s done a better job of generating results and finding a way to win.
On the title battle, he said: “I would still consider Celtic to be the favourites, simply because they have a set of players who have been there and done it. But in terms of momentum, the Rangers are undoubtedly on top and appear to be a squad that is striving forward and has the ability to win the league.”
Rangers lead the SPFL, but are Celtic the title favourites?
It’s true that sitting two points clear at the top of the table isn’t enough to win a trophy, but the Light Blues are the only team to have done it this season.
Clement has won all three domestic competitions, including the League Cup.
Confidence is understandably high after the Belgian upped the points swing to nine since taking charge, turning a seven-point deficit into his first lead of the season after a 3-0 victory against St Johnstone at the weekend.
Philippe Clement has taken the Viaplay Cup to Ibrox.
He will undoubtedly be more focused than anyone else on Rangers not getting ahead of themselves, but momentum is strong at Ibrox right now.
Given Celtic’s recent success and the dismal performance of the Gers under Michael Beale, it’s understandable that some may still doubt the reversal.
Clement’s ability to get the best out of his team while Rodgers’ absence may be enough to win over Glasgow this season.
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