Former Celtic captain Gary Caldwell has told TEAMtalk that it is more vital for the reigning Scottish champions not to lose in Saturday’s titanic Old Firm derby with the Rangers at Ibrox than to risk it all to win.
Unbridled Rangers by Steven Gerrard They have a formidable 16-point lead in a campaign that represents a holy grail for Celtic in their pursuit of the elusive 10-in-a-row Scottish titles.
The Bhoys could get within four points of the Rangers if they win on Saturday and prevail in all three games they have in hand, but the imperative must be not to lose or the race will be over, according to the former club captain.
“As with any Old Firm game, the team’s collective mindset will be the key and how each team approaches it,” said Caldwell, who won the title as Lennon’s teammates at Parkhead in 2006-07 and four total trophies in Celtic. as well as being the Scottish Player of the Year in 2008-09.
“While Celtic are far behind and everyone says they should win, I think they shouldn’t lose on Saturday. That is more important.
“Yes, of course, they will want to go out and win the game if possible. But if they lose, the league will effectively end.
“That is the challenge. Maintaining the hard-to-beat mentality and staying aggressive out of possession will be essential for Celtic, as they try to find a way to win without being enthusiastic.
Victories in their last four Scottish Premiership games without conceding a goal, while emerging triumphant on the penalty shoot-out that decided a delayed and dramatic final to the 2020 Scottish Cup, will have increased Celtic’s confidence.
“The Rangers do not change their configuration from game to game, they play the same way in every game, so Celtic will know exactly what they will face and will have a game plan to combat it,” Caldwell emphasized.
“In the last three Old Firm meetings, the Rangers have dominated the midfield, they have controlled that area. Crucial for Celtic will be to fill the team with energy and as much pace as possible to stop the Rangers in possession and attempt to hurt them in attacking transitions.
“Another great element will be set pieces, corner kicks and free kicks and direct free kicks. Silly free kicks in and around the penalty area will be penalized so you have to be careful about that.
“On the other hand, the Rangers have to play with the front foot and take the game to Celtic even though a draw would be a good result for them too. They have to be proactive and try to win the game, apply pressure and build on their strengths. Having a defensive mindset could prove costly.
“The emotional control of each individual player will be vital. Looking back at the Old Firm games I have played in, we were always better when we were able to demonstrate a level of emotional control that was above the level of the opposition. We were always aggressive with and without the ball, but when we kept our concentration and control during the 90 minutes that allowed us to perform at our best.
“Three or four weeks ago this game would have been a different proposition, but Celtic have managed to put together a winning streak and some clean sheets and will be in a much better frame of mind.
“Ibrox will be a difficult environment for Celtic without an audience in the stadium, but even a draw will keep Celtic on the hunt with two more Old Firm matches before the end of the season.”
Caldwell willing to return to management
Caldwell has established his own one-on-one development consultancy and remains eager to return to management and coaching after leading Wigan to a League One title and coaching Chesterfield and Partick Thistle.
“The pandemic has made this a really difficult year for everyone and the world has become a very different place, but I have been working with several players in the English leagues individually and training some young players from the Academy and I am enjoying that immensely, ”he said.
“I have developed as a person and as a coach and I hope to be helping the players that I have been working with and affecting their game as well.
“I recently managed to go out to see more and more games and that has been fun and I am ready for my next challenge as a coach or as a coach in soccer.
“The time that I have had in my hands has lent itself to a lot of self-reflection on my coaching and managerial career to date, so I hope I have used my time well. Many things have solidified in my mind about how I want to tackle my next challenge, wherever it may be.
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