Report: Souness Defends Rangers After Celtic Loss

Graeme Souness has by no means been one to shrink back from voicing his opinions, particularly relating to his former membership, Rangers. Following a disappointing 3-0 defeat to Celtic, Souness appeared on TalkSport to dissect the match, the place he passionately argued that the end result was not as one-sided because the scoreline may recommend.

The Statistics Inform a Totally different Story

One of many key factors Souness made throughout the podcast was concerning the statistics from the Outdated Agency derby. “Celtic had 53% possession, Rangers had 47%. Celtic had 14 photographs, Rangers had 13. Does that sound like a recreation that’s been one-sided to you?” Souness questioned, emphasizing that the numbers didn’t help the narrative of a dominant Celtic efficiency.

This view was supported by the truth that each groups had an equal variety of photographs on the right track, 4 every. “The stats usually are not suggesting that they’re completely turning up and mulling Rangers at Parkhead,” Souness added. This was a transparent try and shift the main focus from the scoreline to the broader context of the match, which Souness believes was extra aggressive than the end result would point out.

Acknowledging the Hole

Nevertheless, Souness didn’t deny that there’s a hole between the 2 Glasgow giants. “There’s little doubt about it, there’s a niche. Celtic have higher strikers,” he admitted. Souness identified that whereas the stats could recommend a intently contested match, the standard in ending and the general edge in squad depth have been evident in Celtic’s potential to transform possibilities into objectives.

The monetary side was additionally highlighted, with Souness noting, “Rangers usually are not in a wholesome monetary state of affairs proper now, Celtic are in a much better monetary state of affairs.” This monetary disparity permits Celtic to put money into higher high quality gamers, which in flip, widens the hole on the pitch. Souness remarked, “We completed final yr second behind Celtic. They spent £28 million; we spent £14 million. We’re chasing them, however we’re spending half the amount of cash in the summertime months.”

The Want for Calm Amongst Rangers Supporters

Regardless of the frustrations surrounding the end result, Souness urged Rangers supporters to stay calm and supportive of their staff. “I might plead with the Rangers supporters proper now… to take a deep breath and settle down as a result of that solely advantages one facet, and that solely advantages Celtic,” he suggested. Souness’ name for unity is rooted in his perception that the stress from followers can additional destabilize a staff already struggling to shut the hole with their rivals.

He additionally addressed the managerial challenges confronted by Rangers, notably within the context of recruitment. “A very powerful factor at a soccer membership is getting your recruitment proper. They didn’t, no matter cash that they had, they appeared to have blown it,” Souness acknowledged bluntly. This criticism is aimed on the membership’s latest switch exercise, which he believes has not been efficient in bridging the hole with Celtic.

Wanting Forward: Can Rangers Shut the Hole?

Souness ended on a observe of cautious optimism, acknowledging that whereas the present state of affairs is tough, it isn’t irreversible. “Nothing is ceaselessly; that may flip. It’s simply hopefully, if you happen to’re a Rangers supporter like I’m, it’s sooner moderately than later,” he concluded.

The street forward for Rangers is difficult, particularly with the monetary and high quality disparities between the 2 golf equipment. Nevertheless, as Souness emphasised, soccer is unpredictable, and the dynamics between Rangers and Celtic may shift as soon as once more.