Q: One of the things you guys have been very good at in these years of success is, whenever there’s a narrative that Rangers are getting a bit of momentum, whether that’s in the derby or just in general, is just quelling that. Do you see this game as an opportunity to lay down that little psychological mark as well?
Brendan Rodgers: “I think what we’ve always done well is just focus on ourselves. Clearly, up here there’s the two big teams and they’ll be the teams that will be written about most. I think all we can do is control ourselves and control how we play and how we work and the work that we do and hopefully lead us to be a champion.
Celtic supporters doing the Huddle at Tannadice as they celebrate the title win. Celtic Champions 2025. Dundee United v Celtic, 26 April 2025. Photo Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star).
“So, that’s something that I like to manage, that messaging with the players and that narrative around all of that. Because, like I said, it’s not our story. What’s written and what people’s headline is or what their themes are, people have to write, they have to report, they have to podcast, they’ve got their shows on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday. So, there’s lots going on there, isn’t there? But, for us, we control ourselves. So, it’s easily done.”
Q: I saw you bumped into Barry actually at the youth’ game the other night. Can you reveal what was discussed?
Brendan Rodgers: “Just a handshake. I don’t know Barry. Apart from the game, I’ve never obviously come across him. So, yes, we’re obviously there to watch the kids play and bumped into him before the game. But listen, Barry’s gone into that job and I’m sure he’s really privileged and honoured as a Rangers man and a former great player there and supporter.
Barry Ferguson, theRangers vs Fenerbahçe, Ibrox, Europea League, 13 March 2025. Photo Vagelis Georgariou
“So, he wants what’s best for his club and I’m pretty sure that him and Neil and the staff that are there will feel that they can take the club forward and meet the challenges that are demanded by the club and the supporters. I don’t know Barry that well. But I will always be civil and if someone’s a manager of theRangers or a coach of theRangers, no-one will tell me that I can’t speak to him or shouldn’t speak to him because that’s not the world. We might have different jobs on different sides of the clubs but we will share a lot of the pressures and that always deserves respect.”
Q: What’s your thoughts Brendan on the talk about a guard of honour on Sunday?
Brendan Rodgers: “It’s not a rule, that’s the first thing I would say. When two clubs have a rivalry that’s emotional, it’s always difficult for the team that comes up short. It’s one that I’m relaxed either way on it. It’s one where I’m a little bit of a traditionalist in where there’s a lot of things that are going out of our game over in these isles that are just moving away from the traditions of the great managers and the great people that run our game and were successful in our game.
The Rodgers Roar . Celtic Champions 2025. Dundee United v Celtic, 26 April 2025. Photo Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)
“And I always think if you’re a champion to show, or not a champion, showing that humility to the other team, whatever the rivalry is, it’s a mark of respect. But like I said, Celtic theRangers, it’s an emotional rivalry and if you’re up short and you come up short quite a lot, then it can be a challenge for you to justify that with your supporters. But as I said, I’m a traditionalist. These are the things that have been in our game for many, many years. There’s no rule to it but I’m relaxed either way on it really.”
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