Q: Just a follow-up, but in terms of trebles, do people take that for granted, these trebles now? It wasn’t something that was historically done very often up until the last 8, 9, 10 years.
Brendan Rodgers: “Yeah, I think it is taken for granted. I think that, as I said, I go back to 2016. When I came in here, Jock and Martin were the two managers that had done that. The teams that had bought since 1888 had done it three times. And you think of, in that period of time, the number of managers and brilliant managers and brilliant players. So, for that to happen only three times, it shows you how difficult it is. I think what we tried to do when I came in in 2016 was set a mindset and a professionalism and a passion to add to the quality of the players that if you are going to win and you want to win, then you have to change your standard every day. That was about winning, then that standard allows us to win in the very best possible way.
Ronny Deila (left) Celtic manager with John Collins his assistant and the trophys at the Scottish Premiership Match between Celtic and Inverness Caley Thistle at Celtic Park on May 24, 2015. (Photo by Jeff Holmes/Getty Images)
“When I came in here, Celtic were already winning. They had won titles, and Ronnie had done great the previous few years. My job, I felt, when I came in, was to get the team to try and win in the very best way we possibly could and upgrade everything around what we do on and off the pitch. So that creates a mentality. And then from that and that first treble, we gain another treble. Then the confidence goes from there. Then the culture is in place, and then Neil Lennon comes in and does a fantastic job, and he wins a treble. Ange Postecoglou comes in and wins a treble. So they keep driving it.
Celtic v Aberdeen – Ange Postecoglou celebrates with the league trophy after the cinch Premiership match at Celtic Park, Saturday May 27, 2023. Photo Andrew Milligan
“Now we have the possibility to do it again. There is so much work in it. It’s not just something you can take for granted because even luck can go against you in games, and you can get sendings off, and you can do all sorts. But thankfully, we’ve managed to be really consistent with it.”
Q: Some people think that it’s a formality that you’ve almost done it already this season, but that’s not the case. It’s something you have to guard against, isn’t it?
Brendan Rodgers: “Yes, that gets mentioned more obviously because of our past. I said to the players last week before the Hibs game, we had success a few weeks ago against Dundee United, but we’re not dwelling on it. You build on your past. You don’t just sit on it and glorify in it. Especially when you’ve got games to go and important games. So we’ve got a great opportunity now with three games to go to break some more records, possibly to finish the season with another trophy, and that would set off a stunning season for us, having progressed in the Champions League and shown a real, genuine performance level at that level.
1967 European Cup Final Celtic v Inter Milan. The Celtic team line up, before defeating Inter Milan to win the European Cup. Back Row Left to Right: Jim Craig; Tommy Gemmell; Ronnie Simpson; Billy McNeill; Bobby Murdoch; and John Clarke. In front, left to right: Stevie Chalmers; Willie Wallace, Jimmy Johnstone; Bobby Lennox; and Bertie Auld. 25 May 1967. Portugal Photo: Top Foto
Q: Does that focus on your style and how you win and how you play? Is that something that helps as well? Going to Aberdeen on a Wednesday night and the traditions of the club, you hear about the Lisbon Lions and Jock Stein saying to go out and entertain. Is that something that’s drummed into the players as well? That they are not here to win, but they’re here to entertain the fans that travel up there?
Brendan Rodgers: “I think any club’s DNA is based on the most successful period. Celtic’s success was the European Cup in 1967. So once you have that special success, then that’s your DNA that runs through your club and this football club. Winning is not enough. It really isn’t. I understand that in a way. That’s why the club will pick managers who can win but also understand performance. So there’s a win and there’s a way to win consistently, and that’s through good organisation, having good structure, clearly having good players with talent. Winning and winning in the best possible way is in the DNA of this club.
Anthony Ralston arrives at Ibrox. theRangers v Celtic, 4 May 2025. Photo Vagelis Georgariou (The Celtic Star)
Q: Tony Ralston said at the weekend that he has a dream to see the rest of his days at Celtic. He’s a boyhood fan, but more importantly, he’s part of a Scottish core in the dressing room. Players like Callum McGregor and James Forrest are Serial winners. How important is it to have that Scottish core in the dressing room, especially at a club like Celtic?
Brendan Rodgers: “I think it’s very important. I think whatever league you’re in, if you’re in Spain, having a Spanish core would be important. Italy, an Italian core. For me, it’s absolutely key. The boys who have come through at Celtic understand what this club is about. A lot of them have been here since young guys and they’ve come through, they’re brought up in the values of Celtic and guys like Tony, like you say, are really pivotal to the culture of this club. He doesn’t play every single game but I think he’s probably one of our most important players here because of, like you say, his history at the club. The likes of Greg Taylor, the other Scottish boys as well, not just the guys that have come through here. Scott Bain doesn’t play hardly ever but he’s been a real leader behind the scenes as well but 100 per cent, I think having the Scottish core here is key to your success.’
