Here’s a bold statement: The upcoming Scottish Cup clash between Rangers and Celtic isn’t just another game—it’s a make-or-break moment for Danny Rohl. But here’s where it gets controversial: while both managers have their pressures, former Celtic striker Chris Sutton argues that Rohl needs this win more than his Old Firm counterpart, Martin O’Neill. Why? Let’s dive in.
For the second week in a row, Glasgow’s fiercest rivals face off, this time in the quarter-finals of the Scottish Cup at Ibrox. Last Sunday’s Premiership encounter was a rollercoaster: Rangers stormed to a 2-0 lead, only for Celtic to claw back a draw in the second half. Both clubs are chasing leaders Hearts, but consistency has been elusive for both sides this season. This unpredictability makes predicting the cup rematch a tough call, even for seasoned observers like Sutton.
Sutton highlights that while Rohl has done ‘brilliantly well’ since taking charge, the pressure on him to deliver silverware is palpable. ‘You’d think home advantage might favor Rangers given their record under Danny Rohl, but last weekend’s game proved that any result is absolutely possible,’ Sutton noted. This unpredictability adds an extra layer of tension to the cup tie.
And this is the part most people miss: Sutton argues that Rohl’s need for a win stems from the expectations and scrutiny he faces, whereas O’Neill’s position is somewhat shielded by the circumstances at Celtic. ‘Martin O’Neill has come in twice this season and kept Celtic in the title race,’ Sutton explained. ‘Celtic fans aren’t going to blame him for the mess the club has been in. We all know where the anger and blame from the Celtic support is directed.’
This dynamic raises a thought-provoking question: Is it fair to place more pressure on Rohl when O’Neill inherited a more challenging situation? Or does the Old Firm rivalry demand equal scrutiny for both managers? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments—do you agree with Sutton’s take, or is there more to this story than meets the eye?
