Rangers legend Lee McCulloch is bracing himself for another nail-biting last-day title decider, as he sees the Scottish Premiership race going down to the wire. Despite Celtic’s history of winning titles, McCulloch believes that neither Rangers nor Celtic have a significant advantage in this closely contested race. While Celtic has a track record of lifting trophies, Rangers’ recent title victory in 2021 came with relative ease, with several games to spare.
Although only a handful of Steven Gerrard’s Invincibles squad remain at Ibrox, McCulloch is unfazed by the lack of league-winning experience among the current Rangers players. He argues that neither side has much experience in fighting for the title until the final moments, as has been the trend in Scottish football recently. McCulloch stresses the importance of composure and taking each game as it comes, regardless of the external pressure.
Reflecting on his own experiences in title deciders, McCulloch emphasizes the importance of focusing on winning each game rather than worrying about the league table. He recalls the victorious moments at Dundee United and Kilmarnock under Walter Smith’s management, highlighting the significance of maintaining concentration and ignoring the performances of rival teams.
McCulloch acknowledges the pressure on Philippe Clement’s Rangers side, especially after their recent postponed match at Dens Park. However, he expresses confidence in Clement’s ability to handle the pressure, citing the Belgian manager’s previous success in his homeland and his impact in transforming Rangers’ fortunes since taking charge.
Despite the challenges, McCulloch sees positives for Rangers, including the opportunity to focus solely on domestic competitions after their exit from European competition. He praises Clement for instilling confidence and adaptability within the squad, likening his demeanor to that of Rangers’ legendary manager, Walter Smith.
While McCulloch admits he would have relished the chance to play under Clement, he sees similarities between the Belgian manager and Smith in terms of their seriousness and presence on the touchline. He believes that Clement’s influence and the respect he commands from the players will be crucial factors in Rangers’ title push.