Rangers manager Steven Gerrard has called for changes to be made to Scottish Premiership scheduling, to help out the teams competing in European competition, as quoted by the Scotsman.
Both the Gers and Celtic were in Europa League action on Thursday evening, but are back to Scottish Premiership duty just three days later.
Rangers have fared better this time around, with a home fixture and 3pm kick-off. Yet, Gerrard has highlighted Celtic’s 12.15pm k.o away at Aberdeen as much more difficult.
“We have been there,” he said, as quoted by the Scotsman. “I understand TV want to buy certain games. I think that’s where the governing body have got to help European teams and give you the kick-off that helps the players be more recovered. Because surely the players’ safety is better? Surely the outcome of Scottish football is very important?”
“It is definitely something that needs to be discussed…I can understand why a fixture like Aberdeen v Celtic should be on TV. But there is no doubt about it in my mind that if Aberdeen v Celtic was at night you would see a better quality game because of the recovery time.”
Scott Brown dismissed the Gers manager’s comments ahead of their trip to Pittodrie, though, saying Celtic won’t use the scheduling as an excuse.
“The squad had a day off on Friday to rest and try to recover so that we’re fresh and ready, as domestically the Aberdeen game is huge for us,” said Brown, as quoted by the Daily Record.
“The Thursday-Sunday thing, it’s been like that for us for a while. It was the same last season when we were in the Europa League beyond Christmas and you just have to deal with it.”
Verdict
It’s rare to see a Rangers manager go out of his way to point out that he feels Celtic have been hard done by.
Yet, it’s clear that Gerrard would like to see this addressed because down the line, his own players will suffer too.
For example, in December, after hosting Young Boys at Ibrox in an 8pm Thursday night kick-off, the Gers will then have to travel to Motherwell for a 12pm start on Sunday.
There’s no doubt those turnarounds present a real challenge for the teams involved in European competition. The lack of preparation time certainly gives an advantage to their Premiership opposition.
Brown was naturally dismissive as he geared up for a big game for his side, but he too will know that’s the case.
However, it’s highly unlikely that changes will be made to the scheduling approach mid-season. The trip to Fir Park in December is the only early start following any of the three remaining Europa League group games, so it’s a challenge the Gers should be able to navigate.
