Neil Lennon: I would prefer to be where Rangers are in title race ahead of Celtic clash
Rangers are in a better position for the title race according to Neil Lennon because there is “less pressure” and “more excitement” in chasing.
Gers are three points behind rivals Celtic at the top of the Scottish Premiership ahead of Sunday’s (3 April) Old Firm derby at Ibrox.
The former Hoops boss believes this game will be “pivotal” in the “first bonafide title race” in a years, but his personal preference would be to be in Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s shoes than Ange Postecoglou’s.
Lennon told Jim White on talkSPORT today (1 April, 12.30pm): “It can work psychologically both ways. I always think if you’re in front everyone’s wanting to chase so you’re always looking over your shoulder.
“I think when you’re chasing there’s a little less pressure and a little more excitement in chasing down the opposition.
“For me, going in to games I always preferred to be chasing rather than being in front.
“If you’ve got a 10 point lead it’s great, but if it’s really really tight I always think if you’re a little bit behind you’re in a better position.”
Thrill of the chase
They don’t come much more Celtic than Lennon so for him to be feeling edgy about the slim advantage his former side hold it can’t be comfortable at Parkhead.
Too much focus protecting the lead as opposed to attacking a deficit can hand the advantage to the chasing party.
Arguably that is what happened in the previous meeting where a tentative Gers side went in with a two point lead and were blown away at Celtic Park.
They surely won’t make that mistake again, and with the added benefit of the Ibrox crowd, this time with a small amount of away fans to add to the atmosphere, the home side have every chance of drawing level on points.
The injury to Alfredo Morelos is a big concern, but the Light Blues aren’t a one man team, and the players have risen as a unit to the big occasions in recent weeks.
They don’t come much bigger than this one so a strong performance is an absolute necessity.
In other Rangers news, the club’s upcoming Europa League opponent’s are led by a man who has revealed he came within “minutes” of becoming boss at Ibrox.