Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers hit back at critics who treated him “like a novice” as he hailed the mentality of his team following a season-defining victory over Rangers.
A 2-1 Parkhead triumph moved Celtic six points and seven goals clear of their rivals with two cinch Premiership matches left.
The champions had lost a seven-point lead over Gers but never saw the title slip out of their own hands and they have moved within a point of glory ahead of Wednesday’s trip to Kilmarnock.
By his own admission, Rodgers has had a challenging first season back at Celtic Park with injuries to the likes of Cameron Carter-Vickers, Reo Hatate, Callum McGregor and Daizen Maeda affecting performances.
The low point was back-to-back league defeats by Hearts and Kilmarnock in December, which prompted former Celtic striker Chris Sutton to argue that Rodgers was “going through the motions”.
“From a professional perspective there will be doubt,” the 51-year-old said after his 13th victory in 17 games against Rangers.
“From a personal perspective, I am surprised in a way where I heard somebody saying ‘Brendan Rodgers was going through the motions’ earlier in the season.
“Now, I get to work between half seven and eight o’clock every day of my life. I leave the training ground between half six and seven o’clock at night. And then when I get home, I have my dinner and probably flip on the computer and watch more football.
“Now, if that’s going through the motions, I want to know what every other manager is doing.
“So, from a personal level, I have been treated like a novice since I’ve come back here. Like it’s my first job.
“However, my principle objective is to make sure Celtic win. Part of that is a part of the criticism and I understand that.
“But it’s the mentality of the team that is most important to me, and that mentality you can see from where we were, with injuries, how we progressed, how we stayed unified and together, and how we then get to this point where we are nearly crossing the finishing line.
“And we don’t just want to cross it, we want to sprint over it. We have two games to go, plus a final, and that is our mentality.”
Celtic started the stronger side and had more chances in an open encounter before Matt O’Riley sparked a manic finale to the first half by driving home the opener.
Rangers midfielder John Lundstram soon put through his own net and was sent off for a foul on Alistair Johnston after Cyriel Dessers had pulled a goal back.
O’Riley saw a second-half penalty saved by Jack Butland as Celtic struggled to see off the challenge of the 10 men before a nervy finale.
But the final whistle sparked celebrations from the home supporters and the title could even be wrapped up on Tuesday, if Rangers fail to beat Dundee.
Rodgers said: “It’s a massive win and a great day for the supporters. But we’ll recover and hopefully finish the job off on Wednesday.
“I was really pleased up until we missed the penalty. Our energy, speed and tempo in the game – as well as the quality of our football – was very good.
“At 11 v 10, as we’ve been a few times this season, I don’t like it. We’re not good at it. There shouldn’t be that tension at the end of a game when you have so much control. That’s about being clinical.
“It was a hot day and the players gave everything. But at 2-1, anything can happen against 10 or nine men. There were long balls into the box but we stood up to it magnificently.
“Come the end, it was a a great three points for us.”
Let's start our Daily Laugh today.16 remain at the Club World Cup And Man City are back. Will Messi PLAY in The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup FINAL? Thoughts SIMPLE QUESTION - Who will WIN The 2025 FIFA CLUB WORLD CUP? 'When will Cristiano retire?' In the last 16 of the Club World Cup: 🇪🇸 Real Madrid vs. Juventus 🇮🇹Heritage. Please stay tuned on Daily Laugh. There will be more fun tomorrow!(Credit:...
Chelsea are closing in on another attacking signing.Enzo Maresca is orchestrating a major rebuild of his squadChelsea are reportedly closing in on a deal to sign Borussia Dortmund star Jamie Gittens. The Blues have made it their mission to bolster their forward line this summer, and the Englishman looks set to be a key part of their attacking rebuild.Enzo Maresca’s side have already welcomed...
Arsenal’s hopes of landing one of their top striker targets this summer have taken a significant blow, with BBC journalist Sami Mokbel stating that the Gunners have “less than a 2% chance” of completing the deal during this transfer window.Mikel Arteta and sporting director Andrea Berta are actively searching for a new centre-forward to add a clinical edge to the squad ahead of t...
Liverpool have agreed to sign goalkeeper Freddie Woodman on a free transfer from Preston North End.Woodman to slot in as third choice keeper28-year-old out of contract at PrestonGeorgian no.1 Mamardashvili joins Reds in JulyWHAT HAPPENED?Woodman, 28, made 22 appearances for the Championship side last season. His contract with Preston expires at the end of the month, allowing him to join the Reds o...
Bid rejected! Newcastle fail in £50m swoop for Brighton's PedroNewcastle United have seen a bold £50 million ($68m) offer for Brighton star Joao Pedro rejected, with Chelsea also circling the Brazilian forward. The Magpies are expected to return with an improved bid, but face stiff competition in the market for one of the Premier League’s most versatile and in-demand attackers.Brig...
FBL-EUR-C1-PSG-ASTON VILLAAston Villa feel no pressure to part company with young star Morgan Rogers, with the club telling suitors the player is not for sale.WHAT HAPPENED?A report by Mail Sport suggests the club would demand an offer in excess of £100m before they even consider an approach. That was the figure they commanded from Manchester City for Jack Grealish in the summer of 2021. Asto...
Germany v Portugal - UEFA Nations League 2025 Semi-finalTeddy Sheringham has praised Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes for staying at the club, despite a lucrative offer from Saudi Arabia.WHAT HAPPENED?The ex-United and Tottenham star was speaking to Racing Tipster. He spoke glowingly about Fernandes, and also praised the club for not cashing in on their ageing captain. According to Sherin...
Wolverhampton Wanderers FC v Brentford FC - Premier LeagueBryan Mbeumo has decided to join Manchester United, and has informed both Brentford and Tottenham of his intentions, per a new report.WHAT HAPPENED?After months of speculation, David Ornstein reports for The Atheltic that the Cameroonian forward has selected Manchester United as his next club. While it had been suggested a fee of £65m ...
Tottenham Hotspur FC v Ipswich Town FC - Premier LeagueCristian Romero’s absence from Tottenham Hotspurs’ 2024-25 kit launch video has sparked fresh hope for Atletico Madrid in their pursuit of the Argentina defender. Los Rojiblancos boss Diego Simeone is pushing for a deal this summer, but Spurs are standing firm on their £60 million ($82.2m) valuation despite reports of financia...
Manchester United FC v Aston Villa FC - Premier LeagueTottenham and West Ham are both considering swoops for Aston Villa's £40 million-rated midfielder Jacob Ramsey.WHAT HAPPENED?Mail Sport understands Villa are open to selling Ramsey, as he would represent pure profit on their balance sheet against the Premier League's profit and sustainability rules. While Spurs and West Ham are interested ...
- 1 Man United close in on Bryan Mbeumo
- 2 Chelsea transfer at 'final stages'
- 3 Man Utd close in on Bryan Mbeumo! Red Devils agree £60m+ fee with Brentford as Premier League rivals iron out final transfer details
- 4 Alfie makes clear Haaland commitment to Man City
- 5 Salzburg vs Real Madrid Prediction 27 June 2025
- 6 Transfer news & rumours LIVE
- 7 Wayne Rooney gets Erling Haaland ponytail in shock new look
- 8 Liverpool cult hero waves goodbye as transfer is confirmed: It’s been an absolute honour
- 9 Daily Laugh - And Man City are back.
- 10 Marcus Rashford to Barcelona is back ON! La Liga champions ready to sanction loan deal for Man Utd outcast amid Nico Williams pursuit