Brendan Rodgers tells Alan Brazil there’s ‘nothing like’ Old Firm clashes between Rangers and Celtic
Brendan Rodgers has claimed there is “nothing like” the atmosphere generated at Old Firm clashes between Celtic and Rangers.
Speaking live on talkSPORT Breakfast with Alan Brazil (6 September)l, the Hoops boss noted the intensity and atmosphere generated when Celtic and Rangers face off.
The former Liverpool boss, who recently earned victory over the Gers, admitted that the atmosphere generated in Old Firm games even trumps the likes of the Merseyside derby.
Live on talkSPORT, Rodgers said: “The atmosphere up here, it’s absolutely incredible. I’ve been lucky enough to be involved in Liverpool and Manchester United games, on both grounds and Liverpool and Everton games.
“Those are big games, they’re intense, but there’s nothing like this. There’s nothing like the Celtic-Rangers games, for one and then the atmosphere they create up here.
“I can only really speak for Celtic, and the European games in particular and the Champions League. But the home games are absolutely incredible. The noise when the flags start to roll is just incredible.”
High praise
While Rodgers is unlikely to say that he’s seen a better atmosphere than Celtic’s while he’s their boss, it is still a huge compliment to the Scottish game.
Rodger’s was on the winning end of the Old Firm just last week (3 September), when Michael Beale’s men succumbed to a 1-0 Hoops victory thanks to a Kyogo Furuhashi volley.
Being dubbed the best atmosphere is very high praise, especially considering the clashes Rodgers faced as Liverpool manager. He has also had his fair share of feisty Old Firm clashes during his initial spell as Celtic boss.
Coming back from behind twice to clinch a 3-2 win in 2017/18 thanks to an Odsonne Edouard brace will spring to mind for many Gers fans. The Northern Irish boss has suffered just one defeat in the Old Firm, a 1-0 loss courtesy of a deflected Ryan Jack strike in 2018/19.
Rangers will hope to change the record next time they face each other. While the Gers’ recent history has been relatively successful, with one title and a European final in the last few seasons, they have been overshadowed by their noisy neighbours for some time.
Beale will be keen to change the Gers’ fortunes, bring an aggressive atmosphere and show Rodgers just how loud the Ibrox faithful can be, home or away.
In other Rangers news, Beale’s sack timeline has been revealed amid “fan fury” after Old Firm and UCL losses.