Ewan Murray: Rangers and Celtic obsession with each other led to European disappointments
Guardian journalist Ewan Murray believes that the obsession of Rangers and Celtic with each other has led to struggles in Europe with no wins in the Champions League this season.
He has also hit out at the Hoops, especially for not taking advantage of the years their rivals were not in the SPFL as they could have used them to become a force in Europe.
Murray admits that the two Glasgow rivals are nothing more than Europa League clubs eyeing some quick millions by qualifying for the Champions League.
He wrote, “For those with an overarching interest in the Scottish game – and how it sits in broader context – these have been miserable times. Celtic begin this Champions League week with a single point from four matches. Rangers’ record is the worst in the competition, owing to a record of four defeats out of four and a goal difference of minus 15.
“It is undeniable Celtic and Rangers are far too obsessed with the pursuit of each other. There is precious little wider thought. Celtic missed a glorious opportunity to establish themselves as a credible European force when Rangers were consigned to the nether regions of the Scottish league.
“Yet the balance of power within European football, which sits squarely with the major leagues, arguably means Scottish sides are forever destined to take on also-ran status. Even at their modern-day best, Celtic and Rangers are Europa League clubs stuck in the vortex of chasing Champions League paydays.”
Shambolic
After the run Rangers had in the Europa League last season, it is shambolic to see how they’ve capitulated in the Champions League this time around.
Nobody expected them to beat Liverpool, but Ajax and Napoli are sides as strong as the ones they faced in Europe’s second tier competition in 2021/22.
There were no humiliations of 4-0 back then and despite losing two of their best players, they do have enough in the tank to put in decent performances.’
The blame will be put on Giovanni van Bronckhorst and he’ll eventually lose his job but the board needs to take responsibility for this shambles.
The recruitment has been off and they have not given the Dutchman enough to succeed at Ibrox.
This only shows how Steven Gerrard managed to punch above his weight at the club and hopefully, they start acting like a serious football club or even qualifying for the Champions League will be a distant dream in the future.
In other Rangers news, John Hartson has lashed out amid a “Shocking” recent controversy involving the Daily Record & Craig Moore.