Rangers idea to ‘offend’ Brendan Rodgers in fresh Celtic claim
Brendan Rodgers may be offended by one idea as Rangers face Celtic in the Scottish Premiership on Sunday.
Parkhead will host Barry Ferguson’s team on 16 March, with the Hoops just three wins away from securing the league title.
The Gers icon replaced Philippe Clement in the Ibrox dugout a few weeks back and has seen mixed results since taking interim charge of the Light Blues.
Rodgers has an impressive record in Old Firm derbies, winning 16 of his 21 matches against the Bears, and he might not be pleased about one prospect going into the fixture at Parkhead.
Rodgers to find Celtic loss to Rangers offensive
Rodgers may find the idea of losing to Ferguson’s team offensive, Hugh Keevins says.
The Scottish journalist believes the Celtic boss will be offended if he’s beaten by someone who has never managed in an Old Firm derby before.
| Matches | Wins | Draws | Losses |
| 21 | 16 | 3 | 2 |
Keevins feels that with the Gers potentially tired after playing 120 minutes against Fenerbahce in the Europa League on Thursday (13 March), losing to them will be even worse for the Northern Irish manager.
The journalist wrote in the Daily Record (16 March): “The idea of being another notch on Ferguson’s belt and losing to someone who has never managed in an Old Firm game before will be offensive to someone like Rodgers, who has an allowably keen appreciation of his own professional worth.
“And to lose to the knackered version of Rangers would make matters even worse.”
Ferguson to relish Old Firm derby at Parkhead
Ferguson may be relishing the opportunity to beat Celtic away from home as it would undoubtedly cement his claim to be the next permanent manager at Rangers.
The Gers icon has been appointed until the end of the season but will seemingly want to stay longer if the opportunity is presented.
While the Light Blues have been underwhelming this season, the interim boss has brought life back to Ibrox.
Ferguson hasn’t been afraid to change the system at the Bears, playing a back-five in the previous two matches and reaping rewards for it.
It wouldn’t be surprising to see the former Scotland international stick with the system at Parkhead.
The Gers icon is accompanied by Billy Dodds, Allan McGregor and Neil McCann in the dugout, which evidently has its own perks.
For far too long, the Ibrox faithful have seen their players lack passion and motivation for the Light Blues, which looks to have changed under the new head coaches.
While Rodgers is one of the best managers in Old Firm history, Ferguson could potentially pull off a historic win at Parkhead.