Laudrup seeks firm foundations before Rangers challenge
BRIAN LAUDRUP admits Rangers have a job on their hands to prevent Celtic establishing the sort of dynasty he enjoyed during his time at Ibrox. The Dane feasted on a glut of titles and medals following his £2.3million transfer to Scotland from Fiorentina in 1994 and, three years later, headed the goal that clinched Nine in a Row for the club at Tannadice.
With owner David Murray bullishly promising to continue bankrolling the spending, it seemed like Rangers’ superiority would continue indefinitely yet the Ibrox house of cards caved in dramatically in 2012.
Laudrup looked on aghast as the club’s financial collapse saw it forced to start again in Scottish football’s bottom tier four years ago and allowed Celtic to embark on a run of championship successes that currently totals five.
‘Only time will tell if they can do what we did,’ said Laudrup. ‘If in 10 years’ time that is the case, then that is the case. 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.
‘It’s for Rangers to catch up. And for Aberdeen, too. We will wait and see what happens but I think it’s great to see Rangers back. Even Celtic fans will be looking forward to the Old Firm games again.’
With Rangers now back in the top flight and gearing up for the first Premiership Old Firm fixture next weekend, Mark Warburton’s side have made a start to the league season that sees them both unbeaten yet unconvincing.
Laudrup would love to see a win for the team in blue but acknowledges that the club’s priorities stretch far beyond securing temporary bragging rights. ‘Rangers need to establish themselves again, that’s the first thing,’ he continued. ‘We all know they have been away from the best division for a number of years but, nevertheless, they are back and are trying to compete. ‘From what I have seen, they have a very good coach who wants them to play the right way. ‘But players coming from outside, who haven’t been used to these pressure, who have never played for medals or titles, they have to get used to that environment and pressure. ‘That will take some time but hopefully for Rangers fans, the club and Scottish football we will see a strong Rangers side soon.’ Of the Rangers team that started for Warburton against Kilmarnock in the team’s last fixture, only two could boast prior experience of playing for the club at Celtic Park. While Kenny Miller and Lee Wallace know what to expect, Laudrup concedes the rest will need to find a way to manage themselves through what he describes as a ‘terrifying experience. ‘Can I remember my first time? I think I scored actually,’ he laughs. ‘As a foreign player, it’s difficult to put yourself into this rivalry but as soon as you join one of these clubs, from the very first minute you are told about this game. ‘To actually play in it was terrifying. A little bit scary but, on the other hand, it’s tremendous to be involved in one of the biggest derbies.’ M Brian Laudrup (left) was speaking at the launch of the Ashfield Academy of Football in Possilpark, Glasgow.