- Rangers are one point behind leaders Celtic, having played one game less.
- Celtic have won the two previous Old Firm derbies this season.
- Ally McCoist’s comments before Old Firm were reckless and irresponsible, says CHRIS SUTTON – everything is beginning podcast
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Rangers boss Philippe Clement insists he has no pre-match nerves ahead of the Old Firm derby at Ibrox, which is tipped as potentially pivotal in a tight title race.
The Belgian tried to dismiss any notion that the match could be decisive but is challenging his players to scale new heights against a Celtic team that has won the previous two derbies this season.
Asked if he was feeling any nerves ahead of the biggest match of his tenure so far, the 50-year-old said: “No, I love it.” I’m not nervous, I’m excited, I’m looking forward to it. This is something you should accept, not get nervous. They are wonderful afternoons.
Clement is confident his players can reach “another level” as the two greats of Scottish football go head to head with just one point separating them at the top of the table.
Celtic currently lead the way, although Rangers have a game in hand to travel to Dundee next Wednesday.
Rangers manager Philippe Clement has no pre-match nerves ahead of Old Firm derby
Celtic have won the two previous Old Firm derbies against Rangers this season.
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“I have a lot of confidence in my team and I have a lot of confidence in our fans,” Clement said. “So those are the challenging moments because you play against a good team who will do everything they can to beat you and there will be a lot of quality from both sides.”
“It’s the only way to grow as a player, to have challenges, to play difficult games against good opponents.”
“If you take the next steps towards that, you will go to another level, and that is what I want to do with this team, with this club and with the team.”
“Next season, improve and raise the level again and again with a lot of success and maybe some disappointments along the way, because that is also the path to success: learning lessons from that.”
“But I prefer to be successful on Sunday, let’s be clear about that.”
Regarding team selection, Clement will make a late decision on Ridvan Yilmaz’s fitness. Abdallah Sima is fit and available, but it is unlikely that he will play the full 90 minutes.