Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has laid down a clear challenge to his players ahead of the highly anticipated Glasgow derby against Rangers at Parkhead this weekend.
Following a disappointing 3-0 defeat at Ibrox on January 2, Rodgers emphasised the importance of returning to their usual high standards to deliver a performance that reflects their commanding position, sitting 16 points clear of their city rivals at the top of the Scottish Premiership.
With Rangers coming off an exhausting Europa League encounter against Fenerbahce, a clash which they needed penalties to overcome their Turkish opponents, questions have been raised about the visitors' readiness.
However, Rodgers dismissed any notion of fatigue affecting Rangers' competitiveness, highlighting mental strength as the key factor in such high-stakes fixtures.
As Celtic prepare to welcome Rangers fans back to Parkhead for the first time in nearly two years, the atmosphere is expected to be electric.
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Here's a summary of the key topics the Hoops boss discussed ahead of Sunday’s showdown.
Rodgers dismisses Rangers fatigue narrative
Rodgers firmly rejected suggestions that Rangers would be disadvantaged by fatigue from their recent Europa League tie, drawing on his own experience at Leicester City to underline the importance of mental resilience:
"I don't know the Rangers squad, I don't know the mentalities, but I know that obviously they got through their tie and they'll come to us. As I said, it's always a mental thing."
He cited a specific example from his time in England to illustrate his point:
"I had a recent experience with my team at Leicester, where we played Manchester City on the 26th of December away, peak Man City. And then on the 28th, virtually two days later, we played peak Liverpool. Liverpool had more rest coming into the game than ourselves; we had virtually no rest going into the game. We won the game 1-0."
Rodgers reiterated the significance of mental toughness in such intense matchups:
"Physically, of course, it's exhausting and it's tiring. But you come into a Celtic-Rangers game, it's about your mentality as well."
Rodgers' message to his Celtic squad
Speaking about Celtic's earlier defeat at Ibrox, Rodgers was straightforward about the expectations he has for his team’s performance:
"Our standards were not met that day. Forget about the result, we talk a lot about performance here. That is what we look to take into these games because we believe that when we perform to our level, we can win."
He further elaborated on the importance of both attacking and defensive responsibilities:
"That is not just with the ball, it is about defending, coping with pressure, and dealing with the various moments that happen in the game. Normally, we do that well, so that performance was a surprise at the time."
Rodgers concluded with optimism about improving their level of play:
"You understand that, you work on it, and you look to be much better in your next performances. And obviously, this is our next Celtic v Rangers game, so we hope to be much better."
Rodgers evaluates Barry Ferguson's impact at Rangers
The Celtic gaffer was also asked about the influence Barry Ferguson has had since stepping in as caretaker manager at Rangers.
Ferguson has notably altered the team's formation and personnel in recent games, prompting questions about whether Celtic will face a different challenge compared to their previous encounter at Ibrox.
Rodgers acknowledged Ferguson's affinity with Rangers supporters and his legacy at the club:
"Listen, I don't know Barry, but I know him as a player. And I know that he's gone in and he'll have a great connection with his supporters. His history at the club, his success at the club—he was a fantastic player for them."
However, Rodgers offered a measured assessment of Ferguson's tactical influence over his brief tenure:
"For me, if I look purely at the coaching aspect of it, over the course of four games, I don't see great change. I see the team go 2-0 down against Kilmarnock and come back and win. I see the team lose at home to Motherwell. I see the team go away and get a fantastic result at Fenerbahce. And then I see the team lose last night 2-0 over 90 minutes, but win the tie."
"I've seen the team change the system. Absolutely, a really good tactical change to go 5-4-1 at Fenerbahce. But I still see a lot of the same traits."
He concluded by highlighting that meaningful change requires time and patience:
"If you're talking to me about coaching and managing, and you're talking tactics and management and professionalism and these things, that will be done over a period of time. If you're looking at the short term and him coming in as someone the fans can connect with, of course he looks very happy to be in the job and taking the job, him and his staff. But if you're talking coaching, I see a lot of the same traits. Some very good performances, some inconsistencies, and Barry will see that."
Rodgers added that regardless of managerial changes, the derby remains a formidable challenge:
"Whether he was in for four games or forty games, a Celtic-Rangers game will always be a tough game. Or a Rangers-Celtic game, whatever way you look at it. But it will always be a tough game."
Celtic urge fans to maintain positive atmosphere
Finally, ahead of the derby, Celtic released a statement addressing fan conduct, stating the importance of safety and maintaining the club's positive reputation:
"Celtic encourages our supporters to support the team positively. The possession and use of fireworks, smoke bombs, firecrackers and all pyrotechnics are absolutely prohibited. Again, we stress the dangers surrounding fireworks and pyrotechnics, which are a serious risk to spectator safety.
The club and its supporters are rightly proud of our reputation and we encourage all supporters to help foster this reputation at this fixture."
