After helping Celtic secure a 2-1 victory over Rangers in the Scottish Premiership at Parkhead, Brendan Rodgers shared his thoughts with the media.
Question: How significant does this win feel to you?
Response: This victory is very important. It was our goal coming into the game, and to win with a positive goal difference makes it a great day for us.
Question: Given the points tally and goal difference, how do you feel about the result?
Response: It’s significant for us. We’re not at the finish line yet, but being six points clear with a plus six goal difference with two games remaining puts us in a good position. We need to focus on recovery now. It’s a huge win for us and for our supporters. We aim to finish the job on Wednesday.
Question: How do you assess the team’s performance?
Response: I was pleased with the performance until we missed the penalty. The energy, tempo, and quality of our play were very good. We had chances to score earlier before Matty (O’Riley) netted a fantastic goal to give us the lead. Going 2-0 up put us in a strong position, but we lost concentration and allowed them back into the game. We started the second half well, but missing the penalty is something we need to address. It’s part of the team’s progress. We need to be more clinical and maintain control throughout the game. The players gave their all, but we need to improve in certain areas. The win was crucial, despite the tense moments towards the end.
Question: Your record against Rangers is impressive, with only one defeat in 17 games. How does that make you feel?
Response: As the Celtic manager, these games are significant. I’m happy for the supporters and understand the importance of winning such matches. It’s a part of my job to develop the team’s mentality and strive for more victories.
Question: How do you handle the nervous moments in the last 10 minutes of the game?
Response: Our focus is on staying calm, maintaining control, and seeing the game out with composure.
Maintain possession of the ball, that’s the crucial key – that’s why Reo (Hatate) was substituted. He’s undeniably talented, but he tends to lose the ball too often for my taste. As a midfielder, it’s imperative to dictate the flow of the game. While attacking is exhilarating, you must also cherish the ball and handle it with care. Yesterday, it was too haphazard, plain and simple. The match ended up far more nerve-wracking than it needed to be, especially after missing the penalty for 3-1; it was a game that could have easily concluded with a 5 or 6-1 scoreline, but it just didn’t materialize. That’s the downside of it. However, in a Celtic versus Rangers match, the potential upside is always higher. It was a remarkable performance in many aspects and a positive outcome for us.
How would you evaluate the captain’s display today?
He was exceptional. His performance doesn’t surprise me; he thrives in big matches. Callum (McGregor) consistently shows up when it matters most. Towards the end of the game, he even started coaching on the field, rearranging the team. He managed himself superbly to regain fitness, and this was the exact game we needed him for. He displayed his old self with his mindset and the effort he invested. I believe he was outstanding.
Regarding your wingers, what are your thoughts on Daizen (Maeda) winning possession and James (Forrest) posing a threat?
The performance of our wingers is crucial to our style of play. They must be willing to attack and defend with equal enthusiasm. Their forward runs were effective, and the atmosphere inside the stadium was electric. Both players excelled in their roles.
You spoke about the team’s mentality; what does it reveal about you and your players when doubts arose earlier this season, but when it truly mattered, you stepped up?
It’s a natural part of the game. I mentioned in a previous interview that doubts will always exist from both personal and professional perspectives. On a personal level, I found it somewhat surprising when someone suggested that Brendan Rodgers was coasting earlier this season (editor’s note: remarks made by Chris Sutton). I arrive at work between 7:30 and 8 am every day without fail. I leave the training ground around 6:30 to 7 pm. Once home, after dinner, I delve into more football analysis on my computer. If that’s considered coasting, then I’m curious about what other managers are doing. From a personal standpoint, I’ve often been treated like a novice since my return here, as if this were my first job. But my primary goal remains ensuring Celtic’s success. Criticism is part of the parcel, and I acknowledge that; however, the team’s mentality is my top priority. Our journey from adversity, overcoming injuries, maintaining unity, and reaching this stage on the verge of success is a testament to our collective resolve. we don’t just aim to cross the finish line; we want to dash past it.
