Ibrox hero Brian Laudrup has had his say on former club Rangers.
Brian Laudrup – Rangers Legends and Christian Lantignotti – AC Milan
Rangers hero Brian Laudrup has told The Scottish Herald that Rangers must catch up to Celtic’s economic power as they attempt to close the gap on the Bhoys.
Rangers travel to Celtic Park this weekend as they play the first Old Firm derby in a league match since 2012, as the Gers have been working their way back up the Scottish football ladder over the last four years.
The two sides have met twice recently though, with Celtic beating the Gers 2-0 in the Scottish League Cup back in February 2015, before Mark Warburton’s men beat Celtic on penalties last season in the Scottish Cup.
It’s back to league action for the two Glasgow sides though, and Saturday’s game is only one match in their battle for the Scottish Premiership title this season.
Warburton faces a tough task in turning Rangers into immediate title contenders, especially given the gulf in the budgets of the two teams.
Rangers manager Mark Warburton
Rangers had to largely rely on cut-price deals for the likes of Matt Crooks, Josh Windass, Jordan Rossiter and Joe Dodoo, and free transfer deals for the likes of Matt Gilks, Lee Hodson, Clint Hill, Philippe Senderos, Joey Barton and Niko Kranjcar.
Striker Joe Garner was their only big-money arrival this summer, whilst Celtic have been able to bring in Dorus De Vries, Cristian Gambo, Scott Sinclair and Moussa Dembele, for an outlay far beyond what Rangers can afford to spend.
Celtic’s Champions League status certainly helps them in the transfer market, and former Rangers hero Brian Laudrup has spoken about the financial gap between the two clubs ahead of Saturday’s game.
Brian Laudrup – Glasgow Rangers Legends in action against Glasgow Celtic Legends
Laudrup told The Scottish Herald that he thinks Rangers can close the gap to Celtic, but they will need to considerably catch up economically over the coming years if they are to truly match the Bhoys at the top of table – but the Dane can’t wait for Saturday’s huge clash.
“I’m sure Rangers will do their utmost to close the gap but the economic power of playing in the Champions League will be to Celtic’s advantage,” Laudrup said. “It’s for Rangers to catch up. We will wait and see what happens but I think it’s great to see them back. Even Celtic fans will be looking forward to the Old Firm games again.”
Do you think Rangers will qualify for Europe this season?
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
