Legendary Celtic boss Martin O'Neill believes Rangers badly let themselves down amid their disastrous Champions League campaign.
The Irishman was left unimpressed by the efforts of the Ibrox side in Group A as they became the worst team in tournament history after failing to pick up a point against Liverpool, Napoli or Ajax. Manager Gio van Bronckhorst has come under serious scrutiny amid his side's Euro woes coupled with several domestic stumbles. And O'Neill admits he expected better months after the Ibrox side's thrilling run to the Europa League.
The former Parkhead boss admits there's room for improvement for Celtic, however, he sees Ange Postecoglou 's side trending in an upward trajectory as they aim to secure a return reservation to European football's top table next season. Speaking on talkSPORT, the 70-year-old said: "Celtic, I will take an apologist's view, they played a lot of games, a lot of attacking moments in games. Against Real Madrid in the opening match had they scored first, which they could have easily done, who knows? It might have been different. Lots to learn about that one.
"Rangers, obviously, really disappointing, it shows you there is that gap there, money talks, it's big news. Great for both clubs to get in, genuinely great, I think Celtic with a bit of experience can do better next season. And Rangers, I have been really disappointed with Rangers I think they could have genuinely could have done better,I thought they would have done better, particularly at home."
But despite his verdict on Rangers, he was was quick to put into context the chaotic element managers face with Van Bronckhorst already facing calls to go. He added: "You know, I am loathed here to be criticising managers, I have been in these position myself so I know what it is like. Van Bronckhorst, first of all, brilliant footballer, he's a save away from winning the Europa League. A save away from doing that. They are so, so close. Perhaps if Aaron Ramsey scores the penalty, you never know. It's funny how life pushes on."
Simon Jordan concurred but insists that matter little now with champions Celtic romping to a nine-point lead before the winter break. O'Neill, in agreement, opined: "Absolutely, absolutely right, so things have to be addressed."
READ NEXT:
