Rodgers hits back at ‘not respectful’ claims
CELTIC manager Brendan Rodgers claims accusations he showed disrespect towards Rangers are “without merit”.
Rodgers sparked a reaction from Rangers manager Philippe Clement as he looked towards the derby clash between their teams in the wake of Celtic’s 3-0 victory over Hearts last weekend.
The Celtic manager suggested his side “can have a bit of fun” after stressing they would take nothing for granted in the title race.
After Rangers cut the gap at the top of the cinch Premiership back to three points and five goals with a 4-1 victory over Kilmarnock 24 hours later, Clement said: “That it is something that I would never say about an opponent. It’s not really respectful towards my team.”
Those comments surprised Rodgers, who responded: “I think anyone who was at my press conference would have sensed the way in which it was said. The reaction to that is totally without merit. It has no context whatsoever.
“You mention my past record in these games, I have never referred to these other than being intense, being competitive. We never talk about the game as that but we talk about the whole occasion.
“The occasion is one of the most iconic games in world football. And I love it. It’s one of the reasons I am here, the great pride and privilege I have in managing Celtic in a Rangers game. So the whole emotion, the whole feeling around this game is absolutely amazing.
“I have seen some of the headlines around the ‘disrespect’ and whatever else but it is totally without merit.”
Rodgers’ record in the fixture is impressive with 12 wins and only one defeat in 16 derbies. Clement has experienced one defeat and a 3-3 draw at Ibrox last month and Rodgers was asked whether the reaction to his comments showed what the pressure of the contest can do.
“I don’t know, I can only talk for myself,” the 51-year-old said. “I have loved these fixtures, it was the ones I was really looking forward to since being up here the first time. The record is great but it’s always about building – building more memories and great occasions in this game.”