Malik Tillman has given his verdict on playing for Rangers against Celtic at Celtic Park.
Now on loan at PSV from Bayern Munich, Malik Tillman had a loan spell at Rangers during the 2022-23 season and played against Celtic at Celtic Park as well at Ibrox.
The 21-year-old attacking midfielder made 22 starts and six substitute appearances in the Scottish Premiership during his time at Rangers. The USA international scored 10 goals and gave four assists in those games.
Tillman made four starts and one substitute appearance in the UEFA Champions League for Rangers during the 2022-23 season.
Malik Tillman on playing for Rangers vs Celtic at Celtic Park
The youngster is now on loan at Dutch club PSV from German giants Bayern, and he has been reflecting on playing against Celtic at Celtic Park when no Rangers fans were allowed inside the stadium.
Tillman told The Athletic while reflecting on matches between Rangers and Celtic: “Wow. A lot of tension. Unfortunately, we didn’t win any of them while I was there, but it was a good experience.
“After the first game against Celtic, I remember we weren’t allowed any away fans any more in the stadium, so it was just the whole stadium against you. If you score, nobody is going to cheer. It was crazy… completely different.
“Here, we have a big rivalry with Feyenoord (the reigning champions, from Rotterdam). In Glasgow, it’s more the stuff around other things like religion when the fans fight and go a bit crazy.”
Exciting Scottish Premiership title race
Celtic have dominated the Scottish Premiership in recent years, but maybe, just maybe, things are about to change now.
Rangers are at the top of the league table at the moment. The Gers have picked up 64 points from 26 matches, two more than defending champions Celtic.
When Rangers sacked Michael Beale as their manager back in October 2023, the Gers were seven points behind Celtic. Beale took over at Sunderland, but he has now been sacked by the English club.
Philippe Clement was subsequently appointed the Rangers boss, and under the Belgian, who was once linked with Leeds United, the team have flourished.
Rangers are now playing good football and are winning matches. The belief is back among the players.
The Gers are still alive in the Scottish Cup and the UEFA Europa League. Rangers have already won the Scottish League Cup under Clement.
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