Stressed out Clement flips title race to Celtic

Anyone can win when you are miles ahead and there is no pressure on, but winning when you can feel an opponent’s breath on your neck is far more challenging.  Celtic dealt admirably with the pressure on Saturday.

If anything, the wind was worse than at Ibrox six days earlier.  Playing against the breeze in the first half, Celtic struggled.  We knew how much was on the line at the interval.  These players – and manager – have been over the course before, however, and were able to cope with the situation.

Instead of containing emotions after his game in Dingwall yesterday, Phillipe Clement betrayed his own anxieties by leaving the pitch without shaking hands with Ross County manager, Don Cowie.  It’s not that Clement is rude, the defeat was just too much for him to process his emotions appropriately.  That is a perfect example of what happens when you are struggling to cope with pressure.

In his post-match interview, Clement had a ‘Don’t mention the War’ moment, saying that during the week, “everyone was busy with things outside of football, in the club”.  It is Clement’s job to make sure his players focus is exclusively on the football.  If this was not the case, it is his fault.  I can’t believe he said this on TV, the man’s mouth ran away with him, high on an adrenaline cocktail.

There is still a long way to go, so no celebrations here, but you should be encouraged by Clement’s very obvious reactions to stress.