Clement needs to hear insanity theory as toiling Rangers boss strung up by Celtic puppet master – brutal Parkhead truth
The Belgian just can’t come up with a plan to stop McGregor dominating whoever is deployed
Rangers manager Philippe Clement
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The internet’s not quite sure who said it, but the phrase “The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result” is one Philippe Clement really needs to hear.
But the maddening thing for Rangers is that no matter what formula they come up with in a bid to quell Callum McGregor, nothing seems to prevent the Celtic skipper from toying with them like a puppet on a string. The stunning strike he buried past Jack Butland to put the champions’ 11th win in the last 16 derbies beyond doubt took a helpful nick off Dujon Sterling’s toe.
But then that’s nothing new considering Rangers have been assisting McGregor for years. They should know by now what happens when they fail to come up with a proper solution for handling him. They’ve seen the effects too many times to mention. But intention is one thing, execution another. Clement isn’t the first Gers boss to be confronted with the dilemma.
READ MORE: What Callum McGregor told Luke McCowan on Celtic debut as skipper lets new boy off the leash
READ MORE: Spineless Rangers need to ask serious questions before Clement can be afforded any more trust – Keith Jackson
Michael Beale experimented with sitting off the Hoops this time last year and saw it blow up in his face as he was swiftly hounded out. His successor tried tasking Todd Cantwell and Tom Lawrence with a snuffing-out job last season. The result? Shushburgers are off the menu at Ibrox and Lawrence is still eating humble pie.
This time it was Mohamed Diomande asked to sit on McGregor as Clement gave the high press a go. The Ivorian might have potential but McGregor is nailed-on class and it was no surprise to see Diomande hooked having been given the runaround for 58 minutes.
A nervy, uncharacteristically sloppy start from Celtic was exactly what Clement would have been hoping for. The home support, with no away punters to focus their attention on, groaned as Cameron Carter-Vickers and Liam Scales invited pressure with loose distribution.
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These were the moments Rangers had to take advantage of, moments when they could try and turn the Parkhead caldron against the hosts. But to do that, they had to believe in themselves and right now conviction is a substance as scarce at Ibrox as spare cash.
They had a couple of early sniffs, both likely offside, but neither Cyriel Dessers nor Rabbi Matondo showed any real belief they’d finish those. Celtic, on the other hand, looked simply ravenous for an opportunity to pounce as they overcame their initial lethargy.
Celtic’s Callum McGregor scores their side’s third goal of the game during the William Hill Premiership match at Celtic Park, Glasgow. Picture date: Sunday September 1, 2024. PA Photo. See PA story SOCCER Celtic. Photo credit should read: Steve Welsh/PA Wire. RESTRICTIONS: Use subject to restrictions. Editorial use only, no commercial use without prior consent from rights holder.
Clement’s team looked for seconds on the ball that just didn’t exist. They barely had time to blink, never mind catch a breath. When Diomande stood and watched McGregor race away, it took a VAR reprieve to get Gers off the hook.
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But Brendan Rodgers’ team don’t offer second chances in these contests and when Rangers again made the mistake of standing off McGregor, the die was cast. Matondo slept, Robin Propper slipped and James Tavernier took on the Borna Barisic mantle as he snoozed at the back post. All the while Daizen Maeda was wide awake.
McGregor wasn’t the only one finding pockets of space. Kyogo had made his little darting runs into the space behind Connor Barron and Sterling a few times early on.
He quickly realised that with neither centre-back going with him, he’d have the all the time he wanted to turn and shoot. It was a lesson that stuck and the Japanese ace sent Celtic to the top with a laser finish. While Gers trudged down the tunnel at half-time pointing fingers, Rodgers’ men strutted in – with none standing taller than the magnificent McGregor.
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