The Parkhead side showed their superiority in a thumping derby win nine years ago
11:55, 13 Aug 2025
Ex Rangers defender Philippe Senderos
Philippe Senderos admits he was nowhere near the level required when he signed for Rangers as Celtic exposed him in their infamous derby mauling.
And the former Arsenal defender has warned Russell Martin he faces a huge task in closing the Old Firm gap.
Senderos was signed by ex Ibrox boss Mark Warburton but it was a disastrous spell for the Swiss who was sent off in a 5-1 defeat t Parkhead.
And he said: “I probably wasn’t at the level required at the time, and the team wasn’t at the level required either.
“Celtic were much better on the day. I have to be fair, I wasn’t at my peak at that moment, I went into that game and, you know, it finds you out very easily.
“For the fans, though, it’s always a great day, and it’s something you need to experience - whether you’re a player or a supporter, because the atmosphere they can create is really amazing."
(Image: SNS Group)
Rangers have started the new era under Martin with a couple of Scottish Premiership draws which has already increased the pressure.
And Senderos told Boyle Sports ,who offer SPFL odds,: “Russell Martin, I wouldn’t be able to judge his managerial skills too much as I don’t know him personally, but I know he’s a great figure and speaks really well.
“As a player he was respected and very good. At Rangers, the demands are huge - you have to compete with Celtic and at the moment, financially, Celtic are ahead, so it’s difficult to compete with them at that level and it has been for a few years.”
New Hearts investor Tony Bloom has talked up challenge from Gorgie in the coming years.
But Senderos said: "I don’t see this as a threat, to be honest. I see it as an opportunity for Scottish football to add another team that could potentially compete.
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"To have only Celtic and Rangers - that’s not beneficial to anyone, even though it’s been the story for many years, and I might be controversial, I don’t know.
"But to have another team that could compete, with extra financial support or extra support in general, I think is a good thing. And why not bring in the experience and what Brighton has done into Scotland? That could be a great opportunity for Scottish football to continue to develop."