'I don't like it' - Pundit slams Rangers senior figure after what he heard last week

Andy Halliday has slammed Philippe Clement for his comments ahead of the Rangers clash against Celtic.

Gers take on their arch rivals in the Scottish League Cup final on Sunday, 15 December, and Clement has played down his side’s chances mentioning a financial gulf between the two sides.

This comes only days after the club held their AGM and were positive about the coming months and years.

Halliday told Clyde One Superscoreboard, as quoted by the Daily Record (9 December): “I don’t go along with it, I don’t like it. Especially when, five days previous at the AGM, you’re talking about building this winning mentality, and you’re expecting to win trophies and win every single week. Then you listen to the post-match after Ross County and he’s talking about a financial gulf.

“One thing I’ve learned in football is if you give footballers any excuse, they’ll take it. So he’s already planted that little seed of doubt (in their heads). You’re telling them ‘You’re coming up against teams on Thursday and Sunday, they’ve got a lot more money than us.’ It wasn’t a comment I particularly liked.

“Managers will sometimes come out with this when it suits them. But when they come up against Celtic at the weekend, I don’t think they’re worlds apart financially, at least in terms of the wage bill.”

Philippe Clement says exactly what he should not be saying ahead of Rangers v Celtic

Clement’s comments about the financial disparity between the two sides could inadvertently foster an inferiority complex among his players, which is psychologically detrimental.

By emphasising the financial gulf, the Belgian risks undermining the team’s morale and confidence.

This kind of public acknowledgement can serve as an excuse for the players, potentially leading them to accept defeat before the match even begins.

In high-stakes games like a League Cup final, mental fortitude is paramount.

Clement’s remarks, especially following optimistic statements at the AGM, might send mixed signals, suggesting a lack of belief in the team’s ability to compete on equal terms.

This can sow seeds of doubt, affecting the players’ mindset and performance.

Instead of focusing on external factors like finances, the emphasis should be on the team’s strengths, strategies and the unity of the squad, fostering a winning mentality rather than an excuse for potential failure.

In other Rangers news, a change has been called for behind the scenes as the club cannot afford to seal the transfer of a star player.

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