The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
Cup countdown: Old Firm hope for Sunday best.
Parkhead manager’s Old Firm entreaty
Tomorrow: Rangers v Celtic – BT Sport 1 1.15pm Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has urged both sides of the Old Firm divide to show passion and respect at Hampden tomorrow.
The Northern Irishman has embraced the intensity of football life in Scotland since taking over at Parkhead this summer but, while out and about in Glasgow, has experienced none of the nastiness the Old Firm fixture is capable of provoking.
He hopes it stays that way when his Hoops take on Rangers in a Betfred Cup semi-final.
Last month’s Old Firm league match was marred by the conduct of both sets of supporters, with the Celtic faithful criticised after effigies were hung from the Parkhead stands, while the Rangers supporters trashed a toilet.
Police Scotland have already warned those attending tomorrow’s game to behave after confirming that extra officers will be on duty.
Rodgers said: “I’ve never had any trouble since I’ve been here. I’ve enjoyed my football life and my social life. Any Rangers supporters I’ve met have been very respectful.
“I understand that when you manage or play for Celtic it is a really privileged position. But I think it’s important, whether you are a Rangers supporter or a Celtic supporter, you can be really passionate about your club. You can love yourclub, itcanbeyourlife. Butwehave to live together and respect each other’s passions. Give all your support but respect what the result is and move on afterwards.”
Gers have been doing their best to move on from the 5-1 pasting they received at Parkhead in the league. It was a painful defeat which brutally exposed the weaknesses in Ibrox manager Mark Warburton’s side.
Since then, Rangers have won three out of five and Rodgers acknowledged there have been improvements made by Celtic’s fiercest rivals.
“I have seen a little bit of them,” said the Northern Irishman. “I sawa bit of the Inverness game and they look a little bit happier in how they are working. They have some really talented players and they want to work the ball and create chances.
“But my focus is always on my team and we’re always focused on what we can bring with our style. If wecan impose that then, as we’ve seen before, we can give a lot of problems to opponents.”
“I don’t think their game changes. The idea of their method will fundamentally be the same. They are going to build from behind. They want to create opportunities from midfield and look to get the ball in the box to score. Mark believes in that way of working.
“I had heard Niko Kranjcar may be injured but I don’t think that changes anything. Whoever comes in will be asked to do the job of building, creating and scoring goals.”
Rodgers could not have asked for a better start in domestic terms since taking up the Celtic reins.
TheHoops remain undefeated in Scottish competition but did appear off the pace as they suffered a 2-0 Champions League defeat against Borussia Munchengladbach. It was an uncharacteristically sluggish display for the former Liverpool manager’s side but even then, it took a pair of mistakes from Kolo Toure for the slick German outfit to break through.
“Any Rangers supporters I’ve met have been very respectful”