Philippe Clement makes Celtic claim after being asked to clarify ‘underdogs’ comment.
Rangers manager Philippe Clement did not believe his team were ‘underdogs’ going into the latest Glasgow derby against Celtic.
Celtic won the annual Ne’er Day match against their local rivals at Parkhead on December 30.
The day’s goals were scored by Paulo Bernardo and Kyogo Furuhashi, with James Tavernier’s late free kick serving as a consolation. Rangers suffered a devastating defeat in the title race, and Clement was visibly enraged at the end.
Celtic led the Scottish Premiership by five points over Rangers, with a better goal differential and more goals scored (Fitbastats).
Clement’s team had been in terrific form prior to the encounter, but getting a result at Celtic Park was always going to be a massive struggle.
However, over two months after Celtic’s 2-1 victory, Clement feels Rangers were not the underdogs in that derby and that both teams played on a level playing field.
He made the assertion during his press conference on Friday, as Rangers prepare to play Hearts at home. The Ibrox side will meet Portuguese giants Benfica in the final 16 of the Europa League.
Clement admits Rangers will be underdogs in the two-legged match, but believes it will be the first time his team has not been favourites heading into a game under his leadership.
In essence, he couldn’t bring himself to admit Rangers were the small underdogs in the latest Glasgow derby.
Philippe Clement offers a Celtic assertion.
Philippe Clement expressed his reaction to drawing Benfica in the Europa League, stating, “They’re a very good team.” I believe this will be the first game in which we are underdogs; that is the reality.
But that doesn’t mean we can’t qualify. We trust in our abilities, and I believe that with the current mentality in this squad, we can beat anyone. But we need to be at our best, and you need to be lucky in important moments during the game.
“European nights are vital for the club’s image, but you must be realistic and consider your budget, squad value, and compare them.
“In that regard, Benfica are quite ahead of us, but I believe there is a very remarkable story forming here in the building, with a lot of motivation, hunger, and ambition. With that, we can accomplish very great things.”
The Belgian was then asked to clarify his ‘underdogs’ remark and whether he was talking to Europe or all tournaments. He answered, “No, in general. In every game we’ve played thus far.
“I don’t consider ourselves underdogs versus Celtic. For me, we’re two clubs battling at the same level, which is different from Benfica.”
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