Cammy Bell believes Philippe Clement must “be honest” in his approach after the Rangers manager said it “wouldn’t be a shame” if the club failed to reach the group stage of the Champions League.
Relegation to the Europa League would result in a huge loss of financial rewards, something that would only widen the gap between Govan’s team and city rivals Celtic, according to Bell, who was speaking to the BBC channel. Scottish Football Podcast.
“He’s almost covering himself a little bit, knowing this is such a complicated tie… You have to be honest.
“Show up and say, look, this is a very difficult tie, but we want to progress, we want to be in the Champions League, because that’s where Rangers need to be.
“I think Celtic are further ahead with the strength and depth they have in the squad, but that is dictated by finances. Rangers can’t bring in quality players because they don’t have the money.”
Rangers face Dynamo Kyiv in the third qualifying round of the Champions League tonight in Lublin.
“[The potential Champions League money] It’s huge,” Bell added.
“It’s a big game in the season for Rangers Football Club and also for the manager because you don’t want any more negativity to rot the club at this point because there has been a lot of pre-season.
“With the stadium, with players wanting to leave, some players still not leaving, and not as many players as the fans wanted, it was a very negative start for Rangers.”