Rangers and Celtic Face Off Again in Scottish Cup Quarter-Finals
Rangers manager Danny Rohl is under greater pressure to secure a Scottish Cup victory than his Old Firm counterpart Martin O'Neill, according to former Celtic striker Chris Sutton.
The Glasgow rivals will meet once more at Ibrox on Sunday, marking their second consecutive week of competition, this time in the quarter-finals of the Scottish Cup.
In their recent Premiership match on Sunday, Rangers held a 2-0 lead before Celtic mounted a comeback in the second half to earn a draw, with both teams vying to catch league leaders Hearts.
Sutton on the Upcoming Match and Managerial Pressure
Sutton expressed uncertainty about predicting the outcome of the cup rematch, citing both teams' inconsistent performances this season. However, he emphasized that despite Rohl's commendable efforts, the Rangers manager faces more pressure to deliver a trophy.
"You'd think home advantage may suit Rangers with their record under Danny Rohl but the game at the weekend proved that any result is absolutely possible," Sutton said.
"I think Danny Rohl needs it more than Martin O'Neill. The reason I say that is Martin O'Neill as a manager this season has twice come in and kept Celtic hanging on in a title race.
"The Celtic fans aren't going blame Martin O'Neill for the mess the club has been in this season. We know where the anger and ire and blame is laid out from the Celtic support."
Fan Protests and Club Dynamics
Celtic supporters have protested against the club's board throughout the season, expressing dissatisfaction with transfer activity and a perceived lack of ambition.
Similarly, Rangers fans protested prior to Rohl's appointment in October, which subsequently led to a marked improvement in results and brought the team back into contention for the title.
Sutton acknowledged the positive impact Rohl has had at Ibrox but noted that after surrendering a two-goal lead to Celtic and drawing four of their last six league games, the upcoming Scottish Cup tie carries increased significance.
"I think the Rangers fans would be dissatisfied [if they lose] and would see this as a real opportunity of winning a trophy," Sutton added.
"Danny Rohl has done a good job since he's come in but I think the pressure is more on him than Martin O'Neill."
Additional Context
Related discussions include whether Chermiti's overhead kick ranks as the best Old Firm goal this century, the implications of the recent Old Firm draw on the Scottish title race, and fan reactions highlighting Rangers' slip as 'unacceptable', Celtic's display of 'grit', and Hearts' continued march forward.
