Rangers face fierce battles against squads packed with die-hard Celtic supporters

Gabriela López 6 August 2025 | 21:34

Graeme Souness has reflected on the unique challenges he faced as manager of Rangers, pointing out that every match in Scottish football brought its own set of obstacles. According to Souness, opponents were often either passionate Celtic supporters determined to beat Rangers or aspiring Rangers fans eager to impress in hopes of being noticed by the club.

He explained, “My time here, I worked out that you played against two types of football player. He’s a Rangers supporter who’d play out of his skin because he wants to be at Rangers, or you’re playing against a Celtic supporter who doesn’t really like you very much. So there are no easy games. They don’t start off as easy games.”

Souness’ comments surfaced following Russell Martin’s recent statements critiquing his own squad’s performance. After a 1-1 draw at Fir Park, where Motherwell managed to secure a late equalizer, Martin had called out his players for lacking the required effort and commitment on the pitch.

Reflecting on Martin’s approach, Souness said, “He went early, but that’s his style. I thought it was a long-winded way of actually saying what is something I’ve experienced at a number of clubs.” Souness emphasized that managing a top club like Rangers means encountering opponents who treat every game with the intensity of a cup final.

He reiterated this by noting, “When you’re at a true giant of a football club, every team you’re playing, it’s their cup final. I think that was the message he was trying to get across, that Rangers only play in cup finals. As do Celtic.”

Souness also highlighted that while matches can become comfortable if Rangers manage to establish a solid lead, the initial stages are always fiercely contested. “You don’t have any easy games. They may end up being easy games when you get yourselves a couple of goals up, but they don’t start as easy games,” he insisted.

His insights reveal the persistent pressure Rangers face in domestic competition, both from rivals with allegiances to Celtic and from ambitious players hoping to catch the eye of the Ibrox club. The comments provide context for Martin’s frustrations and underline the demanding environment that characterizes Scottish football at the highest level.

Rangers face fierce battles against squads packed with die-hard Celtic supporters

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