Celtic and Rangers hit with blunt Champions League verdict

Former Rangers chairman David Murray has questioned whether either Celtic or Rangers currently have the financial resources required to compete at Champions League level.

Murray believes the Glasgow rivals are better suited to the Europa League, pointing to the huge financial gap between Scotland’s biggest clubs and the teams competing regularly at the top end of European football.

Celtic are competing in the Europa League this season after their Champions League qualifying campaign ended in disappointment, while Rangers failed to reach the league phase of either major European competition after being eliminated during qualifying.

Speaking on the Graeme Souness Tackles podcast, Murray highlighted the expectations placed on both clubs by their supporters.

“I think the problem you have got is you take Rangers Football Club, they have been in five European finals, Manchester City have only been in four,” he said.

Murray believes that comparison illustrates how far Rangers have fallen behind financially in recent years, with the former Ibrox chairman arguing that expectations among supporters have remained higher than what the clubs’ resources can realistically sustain.

“I think they are aiming too high and don’t have the funds,” he added.

“I think the fans have too much expectation in Rangers and Celtic to play at a higher level, and I don’t think they have got the financial wherewithal to do it.”

The former Rangers chief also pointed to the pressure that comes with competing in the Champions League and suggested that the financial disparity makes it increasingly difficult for either Scottish club to establish themselves at that level.

“It’s difficult to compete in the Champions League with the pressure from the fans,” Murray said.

“I think they are Europa League standard.”

Murray was speaking on the Graeme Souness Tackles podcast when he questioned whether Rangers’ European expectations have become unrealistic.

“I think the problem you have got is you take Rangers Football Club, they have been in five European finals, Manchester City have only been in four,” he said.

But Murray believes Rangers’ proud European history cannot disguise how far the club has fallen behind financially compared with the continent’s elite.

“I think they are aiming too high and don’t have the funds,” he added.

His comments also extended to Celtic, with Murray arguing that the expectations surrounding both clubs have become increasingly difficult to satisfy given the financial realities of Scottish football.

“I think the fans have too much expectation in Rangers and Celtic to play at a higher level, and I don’t think they have got the financial wherewithal to do it.”

Murray then delivered his most direct verdict, pointing to the pressure that comes with trying to compete against Europe’s wealthiest sides.

“It’s difficult to compete in the Champions League with the pressure from the fans.

“I think they are Europa League standard.”

The comments are likely to reignite the debate over whether Celtic and Rangers can realistically bridge the financial gap to Europe’s elite, particularly when Champions League clubs can operate with resources far beyond those available in Scotland.