Celtic’s PR Masterclass Leaves Rangers in the Dust – Why the Ibrox Side is Now Fair Game

You could call it a subtle public relations coup. Alternatively, you could be cynical and describe it as a not-so-subtle wind-up aimed to highlight which Old Firm side has undisputed bragging rights. While Rangers dealt with disgruntled fans who erected a banner calling for the club’s board to be removed last week, Celtic put an old adage into action. If you have it, flaunt it.

On Tuesday, they showcased the Celtic fan wearing the £1 million jersey, Luke McCowan. And on Wednesday, the club’s record signing, Arne Engels, received the red carpet treatment. All £11 million of him. Of course, there’s nothing wrong with a little one-upmanship worth millions of pounds. Celtic amassed wealth as a result of their on-field success and reinvested it in order to grow even stronger. But now comes the next step in the equation.

The audience at Celtic Park on Wednesday night for Slovan Bratislava’s Champions League visit will be loud and proud. Until the match begins.

At that time, they will serve as judge and jury because the support gave the wealth that motivates them to see a return on their investment. Customers will become investors looking for dividends. Even with record signings and squad reinforcements, I wouldn’t bet any of my state pension on Celtic winning away from home against Borussia Dortmund, Atalanta, Dinamo Zagreb, or Aston Villa in this season’s Champions League. However, obtaining maximum points at home against Slovan Bratislava, Club Brugge, Young Boys, and RB Leipzig is not impossible.

None of the clubs have a budget that could be utilized to compensate if Celtic fail to beat them. This is the ultimate test of Brendan Rodgers’ claim that Celtic should compete rather than participate in this competition.

Philippe Clement, his civic counterpart, was in broken record mode when he addressed obedient fans at a club-sponsored question-and-answer session on Tuesday. The Belgian made his customary plea for more time to get things properly, ignoring the reality that he works in a city where fans do not use clocks.

You break the glass and sound the alarm to signify an emergency in Old Firm territory. Supporters have only two options: contentment or scorn. When internal friction arises, your disrespect for those in charge becomes apparent. Former Rangers chairman Dave King made an aggressive remark about two of his successors at Ibrox, Douglas Park and John Bennett, being “asleep at the wheel” on the day the banner writers had their say. King stated: “Our club is in a mostly self-inflicted decline. Individual players cannot be held liable if the combination of recruitment and team preparation leads to bad performance.”

Those statements might be interpreted as a direct critique of Clement and his chief talent scout, Nils Koppen. There is no doubt whatsoever about Sunday’s game at Tannadice. When Rangers face Dundee United, their only goal is to avoid exacerbating an already poor position. It’s open season for the board, the manager, and, despite King’s defense, the players.

Individuals have been identified as roadblocks to advancement by opposing voices within the club’s support. The manager has been cleared by the same dissidents. If Tannadice proves to be an issue, that show of solidarity may be short-lived.