Chris Sutton has chimed in about the mentality in the Rangers ranks as they take on Celtic in the Old Firm derby.
Gers are riding on a high after knocking out Fenerbahce to progress to the quarter-finals of the Europa League.
However, they are playing catch up in the league, a colossal 16 points behind rivals Celtic.
Barry Ferguson’s side ready for excuses if they lose – Chris Sutton
Sutton believes that as Gers played 120 minutes and a penalty shootout in mid-week, they can use fatigue as an excuse if they lose.
Celtic, conversely, were off in mid-week and had longer to prepare for the game at Parkhead on 16 March than Barry Ferguson’s side.
Sutton told the Warm-Up at 28:55: “If Rangers lose, they’ll be wheeling that old one out, ‘Oh we are so tired. Took so much out of us on Thursday night.’ If you’re not motivated for Celtic-Rangers game then, you know.”
The Hoops’ last game was on Sunday, 9 March, against Hibs – and they won that by a 2-0 scoreline.
Rangers have to be up for the Old Firm derby against Celtic
Sutton’s take on Gers’ mentality ahead of the Old Firm derby against Celtic hits the nail on the head.
After a grueling 120-minute battle and penalty shootout against Fenerbahce in the Europa League, Rangers secured a morale-boosting quarter-final spot.
However, with a 16-point deficit to Celtic in the league, the stakes couldn’t be higher at Parkhead.
Sutton’s right to call it out as elite players can’t let midweek exertion overshadow the biggest game of the season.
For Gers, this isn’t just about points but about pride and resilience.
Ferguson, as interim boss, faces a defining moment.
If he harbors ambitions of securing the job permanently, he must rally his squad to show up with fire in their bellies, not weary legs.
No amount of Europa League heroics will mask a lacklustre showing against Celtic.
The players owe it to themselves, the fans, and Ferguson’s potential future to dig deep, shrug off the tiredness and match Celtic’s intensity.
Anything less, and Sutton’s prediction of excuses will ring painfully true.
