Don’t look back in anger – Rangers have a score to settle with Celtic in terms of the 2019 League Cup final but Sunday’s decider is more about the here and now.
That was the essence of the message conveyed by Borna Barisic ahead of the crunch encounter at Hampden this weekend.
Whilst a victory would make up in some ways for the bitter disappointment experienced by Steven Gerrard’s team and the supporters in the 0-1 reverse to Celtic three seasons ago, that moment has passed. Yes, Rangers deserved more that day. A missed penalty and a one-man advantage for half an hour were factors on the day but ultimately, Gerrard’s team could not put the ball in the net.
Neil Lennon’s side benefited from a goal that would not have stood now, due to VAR, but it did then. It was a bitter pill to swallow but title success in the following campaign provided a sweet antidote.
Now, it’s all about response and progression. Michael Beale’s Rangers have been almost perfect in terms of results since the Englishman returned to take over from Giovanni van Bronckhorst. This game presents a chance to disrupt Celtic’s own momentum as well as to make it two consecutive domestic cups in the Ibrox trophy cabinet.
When asked if the 2019 final was in the mind, the Croatian international responded:
“Of course, I didn’t forget. I remember how we played and lost that game. Of course, that’s one motivation but not the only one, there are a lot more things. Of course, we remember it.”
Barisic pinpointed his boss as a catalyst for confidence and form, transforming the team following the lethargy of the first stage of the season, when he stated:
“He changed system, he has been here before and knows how players want to play, in terms of positions and style. He’s raised the standard in training and that means in games, we can present what we train. A lot of things have changed in a good way. The results show everything.”
“The way we train, think and talk has changed in a good way in terms of mentality.”
Lifting silverware at the first time of asking would provide a further significant lift for Beale and the squad, creating further momentum for the remaining challenges this season and beyond.