Neil Lennon has issued a warning to Rangers manager Philippe Clement ahead of this weekend’s derby clash, believing the Belgian is in for a surprise.
Since taking over from Michael Beale, the Ibrox manager has overseen a fantastic turnaround at his new club, but this Saturday will be his first taste of Scotland’s largest derby.
Former Celtic manager Lennon has been impressed by Clement this season, but he is also aware of the expectations he will face ahead of this weekend’s match.
“I think Celtic will win on Saturday; I think they’ll see a lot of the ball, and I think they’ll dominate possession,” he told Ladbrokes Fanzone. They’ll have to watch out for Rangers on the counter-attack and defend well whenever particular players push forward. They’ll have to be particularly sharp at defending free kicks and corners. However, I believe Celtic will win 2-1.
“I just think that, at home, and with the magnitude of the game, all of the big players will rise to the occasion.” Rangers have my respect; Philippe Clement has done an excellent job. But he hasn’t yet encountered a Celtic Park derby, which is a little different from anything else he would’ve experienced.
“It’s a really difficult time for a Celtic or Rangers player because there are so many fixtures coming thick and fast, but you know the big one is coming at the end of the month.” However, you must attend to other matters throughout December. Celtic have been subjected to intense scrutiny throughout the season, so they’re used to it. I believe that this current Rangers club is struggling to deal with things in the spotlight. It is critical that you do not lose sight of the ball.
“People outside of the clubs, outside of the changing rooms, expect Celtic and Rangers to win every game, so these clashes are frequently regarded as title deciders.” However, this is not always the case. There are so many challenges throughout December, and then there’s this massive one at the end of the month.
“To be honest, my first game for Celtic against Rangers was a blur.” We played them twice in a few days, and the first one on Wednesday appeared to go 100 miles per hour since it was so physical and fast. We won that one, and I was much better prepared for the second one.
“Of course, as a manager, the wins are so special.” We enjoyed a few triumphs at Ibrox, as well as a number of comfortable wins at home. The atmosphere was electric. There hasn’t been a spectacular derby for me as a player or a manager; each one was as vital as the next, and none more so than the one coming up for the players on Saturday.”
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