Rangers may not be Celtic’s biggest title rivals this season, says Bernardo

Paulo Bernardo claims Rangers are not certain to be Celtic’s biggest challengers in the title race this season.

If the defending champions triumph in today’s opening derby at Celtic Park, they could take a five-point advantage over their Old Firm rivals.

Portuguese midfielder Bernardo acknowledges that they are keen to deal Rangers a psychological blow right away, but he also believes that, as they aim for a fourth straight Premiership title, Celtic must be cautious of a possible threat from outside.

Yes, without a doubt. If we defeat the Rangers, it could make a statement, Bernardo said. “We’re going to overtake them at the top of the table.”But keep in mind that Aberdeen is also at the top. The league consists of more than just two teams.Even though Rangers is a major team in Scotland, the game is still only for three points.

The 22-year-old has highlighted Aberdeen’s strong start to the season under new manager Jimmy Thelin as proof that Celtic cannot afford to concentrate only on their historical rivals in Glasgow.
Therefore, we must approach each game in the same manner. Rangers, Hearts, and Hibernians are all possible combinations, and each is worth three points.However, we are aware that we will be up against a formidable opponent in this one.

Yes, these points might be important, but they won’t matter to us if we lose the other games. Throughout the season, consistency is essential.
Bernardo scored the first goal in their 2-1 victory at Parkhead in December of last year, making a fantastic Old Firm debut while on loan at Celtic.

Additionally, he played a significant role in Celtic’s victory over Rangers in the Scottish Cup final at Hampden in May when goalie Jack Butland mishandled his shot, allowing Adam Idah to score the thrilling goal in the ninetieth minute.
The Portuguese player, who permanently left Benfica this summer for a fee of £3.4 million, is eager to make new memories with the Old Firm.

“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to play in them; the derby is the best game we have here,” he continued.
After I scored in my first one last season, I received messages from home. That was excellent.

“I knew how important the game is, even though it was my first against the Rangers.” I was therefore thrilled with that moment and even more so with the victory.People discussed that one, but I have to force them to discuss the following one now.

one because each goal scored against the Rangers is unique.
This is a different match, even though I have wonderful memories of the encounter. Now that the season has changed, we must repeat the process.