Martin O’Neill claims Celtic benefit from Rangers Champions League qualification
Martin O’Neill has claimed Rangers’ qualification to the Champions League group stages will be important for Celtic but essential for the Gers’ finances.
Speaking on talkSPORT (23 August) O’Neill suggested that Celtic need Rangers to be a strong side to keep them competitive in the league and Europe, meaning the Gers’ qualification to the group stages would be mutually beneficial.
However, while he noted their qualification’s positive impact on Scottish football in general, he warned that Rangers may not have the financial “wherewithal” unless they beat PSV in the fourth-round second leg and secure the “at least £30million” qualification prize.
As quoted by the Daily Record (24 August), O’Neil told talkSPORT: “Where Scottish football is concerned and for Celtic to stay strong, I always think you need a really strong Rangers so qualification for the Champions League will be so important to them.
“Financially, I’m not so sure they have the wherewithal unless they make it through to the group stage. So for Scottish football, it would be great for Rangers to join Celtic in the group stage and make some inroads in the competition.
“Rangers are trying their very best to get through to the Champions League which would be a great achievement and there’s money there. The profit for the group stage stage is probably at least £30million. So Celtic and Rangers have possibilities and with the support they get. But if you’re looking further down the league then it’s really, really difficult.”
Important
The Scottish league is largely dependent on the success of Rangers and Celtic, so while it is certainly tough to put rivalries aside, O’Neill’s suggestion here rings true.
Celtic’s and Rangers’ success is defined by how much, or if at all, they beat their arch-rivals. Steven Gerrard’s 2020/21 title win felt all sweeter in the Ibrox terraces because they spoiled Celtic winning their tenth title in a row.
However, while football fanbases often need rivalries to give their support and dedication meaning, both clubs rely on each other to raise their standards so they can both compete on the European stage.
The Scottish league champions are very easy to predict. Rangers and Celtic have dominated the division with Sir Alex Ferguson’s Aberdeen the last non-Old Firm side to win the title all the way back in 1984/85 and are unlikely to encounter new challengers in the league.
So, for Celtic and Rangers to have a shot at European success, they must continue to push each other.
O’Neill also hints at a rather scary thought for Rangers fans by suggesting that the club needs the Champions League qualification money to ensure financial health.
There is a lot of pressure going into the second-leg clash against PSV on Wednesday (30 August). The club’s pride, the club’s progression and the club’s finances may all be in the line.
In other Rangers news, Michael Beale has sent a star midfielder a warning following his actions against PSV.