Brendan Rodgers Questions Barry Ferguson’s Impact at Rangers
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has expressed skepticism about the impact of Barry Ferguson on Rangers, citing inconsistencies in the team’s performances since Ferguson took over as interim manager.
Ferguson, a former Rangers player, was appointed after Philippe Clement was sacked following a poor run of results. However, Rodgers believes that Ferguson has not made significant changes to the team’s tactics or overall performance.
“I don’t see great change,” Rodgers said. “I see the team go 2-0 down against Kilmarnock and come back and win. I see the team lose at home to Motherwell. I see the team go away and get a fantastic result at Fenerbahce.”
Rodgers acknowledged that Ferguson has made some tactical changes, including a successful switch to a 5-4-1 formation in the win over Fenerbahce. However, he believes that these changes have not yet had a significant impact on the team’s overall performance.
The Celtic manager also emphasized that the Glasgow derby between Celtic and Rangers is always a tough game, regardless of the teams’ respective forms. He expressed his determination to avenge Celtic’s 3-0 defeat to Rangers at Ibrox earlier in the season.
“We’re very hungry to put that right in this game,” Rodgers said. “We never performed anywhere near what the game demands in the last one. We’re looking to play our own game, our game is a running, pressing, and intense game. That’s the way we want to play from the very first whistle.”
Rodgers also praised Ferguson’s connection with the Rangers supporters, citing his history and success at the club as a player. However, he reiterated that his focus is on Celtic’s performance, rather than Rangers’.
“I think you can probably look at Barry over a longer time,” Rodgers said. “If you’re talking to me about coaching and managing, and you’re talking tactics and management and professionalism and these things, that will be done over a period of time.”
The match between Celtic and Rangers is expected to be an intense and closely contested encounter, with both teams eager to claim bragging rights in the Glasgow derby. Celtic are currently 16 points clear at the top of the Scottish Premiership, but Rodgers is taking nothing for granted.
Celtic vs. Rangers: Key Match Details
- Date: Sunday
- Venue: Celtic Park
- Kick-off time: TBA
- League standings: Celtic (1st), Rangers (2nd)
The match promises to be an exciting encounter, with Celtic seeking to extend their lead at the top of the table and Rangers looking to close the gap. With Ferguson facing his first Old Firm derby as manager, the stakes are high, and Rodgers is expecting a tough game.
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