Neil Lennon shares new Philippe Clement verdict ahead of Rangers Old Firm showdown v Celtic
Rangers manager Philippe Clement must find a way of closing the gap to Celtic at Hampden Park “by hook or by crook”, according to Neil Lennon.
The Light Blues face their Glasgow rivals in the Scottish Cup final on Saturday (25 May) as they look to complete a domestic double and win their first Old Firm showdown of the season in any competition.
Clement has lost two of his opening three derby clashes and while his side have managed to match the Hoops’ levels at times, Lennon has urged the Gers boss to change his system to try and break his duck.
Speaking on the PLZ Soccer Show (24 May) he said: “He has got to change it. Whether you change the formation or the personnel, he can’t go with the same formula because it’s not working.
“Celtic are too good. For me, how do you get Tavernier further forward? You need to stop worrying about what Maeda is doing. Do you play three at the back? Or two strikers to stop Celtic playing out from the back.
“That’s what I would do because whatever he has done this year hasn’t worked and he can’t stop the flow of Celtic’s passing moves.
“I don’t think this team is good enough to play football against Celtic. They lack speed, they lack creativity – so play to your strengths. I think the 2-1 scorelines have flattered Rangers and there has been a gulf between the teams.
“Philippe has to find a way of closing that gap by hook or by crook.”
Will Rangers and Philippe Clement beat Celtic in Old Firm clash at Hampden Park?
A variety of pundits, supporters and journalists have been giving Clement advice on how best to get the better of Celtic this weekend, but the Belgian wouldn’t have expected to be getting tips from Lennon at this stage.
Although the Light Blues have been competitive for parts of games under the Belgian, they have never seemed to be in total control and Brendan Rodgers always seem to be able to find a way to come out on top.
Whether or not a change of formation is required or just a change of personnel is anyone’s guess, but if Clement names the same side that lost at Parkhead it will be an absolutely insane decision.
The pressure is already beginning to mount on the Belgian and while it seems unlikely he will be sacked ahead of the summer transfer window, he will be on dangerous ground if he enters next season without a win over Celtic.
In other Rangers news, the Light Blues have been told to hand Ryan Jack a new contract after the latest injury update
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