Martin O’Neill Urges Rangers to ‘Eke Out Results’ in Pursuit of Celtic
Former Celtic manager Martin O’Neill has weighed in on the intense Scottish Premiership title race, offering his advice to Rangers as they strive to keep pace with league leaders Celtic. O’Neill, who led Celtic to a series of domestic triumphs in the early 2000s, believes that Rangers must “eke out results” if they are to maintain their pursuit of their Glasgow rivals.
With Celtic showing a consistent dominance under the leadership of Brendan Rodgers, Rangers find themselves under pressure to not only match their archrivals but also to remain competitive in a title race that has become increasingly unforgiving. Speaking about the state of Scottish football, O’Neill acknowledged the challenges Rangers face but stressed that the key to success is often grinding out points, even when performances may not be at their best.
“Sometimes, especially in the heat of a title race, it’s not about playing attractive football or even dominating every game,” O’Neill said. “It’s about getting the job done, picking up those three points, no matter how difficult the match or how unimpressive the performance. Rangers must focus on eking out results.”
O’Neill’s advice comes as Rangers have faced some inconsistency this season, dropping points in critical matches. These setbacks have allowed Celtic to open up a gap at the top of the table, increasing the pressure on Michael Beale’s side to find form and momentum as the season progresses.
O’Neill is no stranger to title races decided by the finest of margins. His tenure at Celtic saw his team battle Rangers tooth and nail, with his side often edging out their rivals by maintaining a relentless consistency. Reflecting on those years, O’Neill emphasized the psychological demands of a title race and how teams must navigate the mental pressure of needing to win every game.
“Every point dropped can feel monumental, and that’s why it’s crucial for Rangers to show resilience. They’ve got to be able to turn a bad day into a decent one by getting something out of the game, even if it’s not the full three points.”
The former Celtic boss also highlighted the importance of upcoming Old Firm derbies, which often play a decisive role in the Premiership title race. “These are the games that can swing the balance of power,” O’Neill said. “Rangers have to be ready to seize any opportunity, but they also need to ensure they aren’t losing ground in the so-called ‘easier’ fixtures.”
With Celtic currently leading the league, Rangers face a monumental task to close the gap. O’Neill’s words serve as a reminder that titles are won over the course of the season, not just in the high-profile showdowns but also in the week-in, week-out battles that test a team’s resolve and ability to grind out results.
O’Neill’s advice to Rangers is simple yet effective: consistency is king. If they are to have any hope of reining in Celtic, they must find a way to ensure that they pick up points regularly, regardless of the circumstances. With the pressure mounting and the margins for error becoming increasingly slim, Rangers will need to heed that advice if they are to stay in the hunt for the title.
The battle for supremacy in Glasgow—and Scotland—looks set to continue with high stakes, and Martin O’Neill’s insight highlights the mindset required for Rangers to challenge Celtic’s dominance.
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