CELTIC legend Lubomir Moravcik says that his former club have to overcome their derby day hoodoo to have any chance of regaining the league title, as he backed Ange Postecoglou’s men to take the race for the Premiership to the wire.
Moravcik has been pleased to see that new manager Postecoglou has managed to stabilise the club after the troubles of last season, securing his first trophy already with the League Cup Final win over Hibernian and managing to stay on the coattails of Rangers at the top of the Premiership.
He believes Celtic have the quality to bridge that six-point gap and ultimately wrest the league trophy back from their great rivals, but their chances of doing so will hinge on not allowing that gap to grow after the restart, and how they handle the Celtic Park showdown between the sides at the beginning of next month.
Celtic haven't beaten Rangers in seven matches since Christopher Jullien's goal gave them a 1-0 victory in the League Cup Final of November 2019, and Moravcik says it is time for that to change.
“Celtic seem to be in a really good way,” Moravcik said.
“Last season was not successful, and while they are still behind Rangers in the league at this stage this season, it is very close.
“In my opinion, everything will come down to February 2nd, when Rangers come to Celtic Park. That is the crucial moment in the season. Until that game, everything is open.
“I have a good feeling about Celtic now. They are stable, winning regularly which is obviously very important.
“I really hope they will be ready for the crucial moment and beat Rangers, because then they will be fighting until the end of the season for the title.
“They have shown they can handle pressure already, winning a very important game against Hibs in the League Cup, especially after going behind.
“I just have a feeling that Celtic can do it. The crucial moment will come very quickly, and I hope they will be ready to beat Rangers. This is the crucial moment not only for this team, but for the coach too.
“The fans are all looking forward to seeing this game and seeing how Celtic cope with it. I hope they will be ready.”
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