Celtic captain Callum McGregor has spoken about the team’s preparations and tactical adjustments ahead of today’s Glasgow Derby against Rangers at Ibrox, as the reigning Scottish Premiership champions look to extend their commanding lead at the top of the table. With a 17-point gap on the line, a victory for Brendan Rodgers’ side would almost certainly end any remaining title aspirations for their city rivals, piling even more pressure on Rangers manager Philippe Clement, who is under intense scrutiny.
McGregor, a key leader on and off the pitch for Celtic, has stressed the importance of learning from their recent Premier Sports Cup final against Rangers. In that match, Rangers effectively stifled Celtic’s creativity by implementing a disciplined mid-pitch block, forcing the Hoops to struggle in central areas. Despite Celtic’s eventual victory, McGregor is adamant that his side must adapt their approach if they are to overcome similar tactics today.
“There are teams in the league who’ll try certain things to stifle you, whether it’s the build-up or trying to force the ball wide,” McGregor said in a recent interview with The Scottish Sun. “It’s then about us trying to find a different scenario, a different way, and a different solution. We’ve got good people in here who understand the game. We’ll be looking at the cup final — Rangers were pretty good in that mid-pitch block, so we need to maybe find a different way of trying to exploit that.”
These remarks underline Celtic’s awareness of the challenges they face. At Ibrox, the home crowd and the intensity of the occasion will be against them from the start, requiring McGregor and his teammates to adopt what he described as a “siege mentality.” This mindset has been a hallmark of McGregor’s captaincy, particularly in high-pressure matches where Celtic have had to dig deep for results.
On the other hand, Rangers enter the match in a state of turmoil. Injuries and unavailability have ravaged Clement’s squad, leaving them short of options in several key areas. Despite these setbacks, Rangers will likely attempt to replicate their cup final strategy, frustrating Celtic with a compact midfield and relying on long balls and opposition mistakes to create opportunities. Their defensive approach at Hampden caused problems for Celtic, and Clement will be desperate to avoid another defeat, knowing the consequences could be severe for both his position and Rangers’ season.
However, Celtic are well aware of Rangers’ vulnerabilities. The Hoops have been in exceptional form in domestic competition this season, demonstrating their ability to find solutions against a variety of tactical setups. With players like Kyogo Furuhashi, Reo Hatate, and Callum McGregor orchestrating play, Celtic possess the quality to break down even the most organized defenses.
The historical significance of today’s match cannot be overstated. Celtic have not won at Ibrox since September 2023, and they will be eager to end that drought while simultaneously dealing a devastating blow to their greatest rivals. Despite the challenges of playing away, Brendan Rodgers’ team is likely to approach the game with confidence, knowing that a victory would not only secure a massive lead at the top of the table but also solidify their dominance in Scottish football.
Philippe Clement, meanwhile, finds himself under immense pressure to deliver a result. His appointment was seen as a turning point for Rangers, but a string of disappointing performances and mounting injuries have made his task increasingly difficult. A defeat today would leave Rangers in an almost hopeless position in the title race and raise serious questions about the Belgian manager’s long-term future at the club.
For Celtic, this match represents an opportunity to stamp their authority on the league and put one hand firmly on the trophy. For Rangers, it is a battle for pride and survival in a season that has seen them struggle to keep pace with their arch-rivals. The stage is set for a fierce and potentially season-defining clash at Ibrox, where every pass, tackle, and goal will be crucial.