Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has defused claims he was disrespectful toward Rangers last weekend in a media conference.
After beating Hearts 3-0 at Celtic Park, Rodgers said he was looking forward to a good week of training preparation and ‘a bit of fun’ in the derby on Saturday.
Philippe Clement didn’t take that well, claiming that Rodgers was not being ‘respectful’ with his comments. It was a pretty over-the-top reaction that Chris Sutton believes is a sign of pressure getting to the Rangers boss.
While some in the media tried to spin it out as a war of words, it was clear that Rodgers’ comments had been taken out of context and didn’t reflect the meaning of what he said.
Addressing that in a pre-match media conference today, the Celtic manager made it clear he never intended anyone to feel disrespected.
Brendan Rodgers on his comments that annoyed Philippe Clement
He said [Clyde 1]: “Anyone who was at my press conference would have sensed how it was said. The reaction to that is totally without merit and has no context whatsoever.
“I’ve never referred to these games other than being intense and competitive. The occasion is one of the most iconic in world football and I love it. It’s one of the big reasons I am here. I have great pride and privilege managing Celtic in a Rangers game. The whole feeling around this game is absolutely amazing.
“I’ve seen some of the headlines around the disrespect and whatever else but it’s totally without merit. It was never in that context being said. I never would be that person to disrespect another manager or team. I suppose it’s part of the build-up for you guys.”
Rodgers doesn’t need wind ups
Rodgers is spot on to clarify his comments. There would be little sense in trying to fire up Rangers ahead of a derby, so the theory he tried to makes little sense.
Celtic do their talking on the pitch and have done for years. Under Rodgers and Ange Postecoglou the team have backed up everything in matches rather than making weak statements to stoke up a rivalry in the media.
Hopefully, we see more of that tomorrow. If Celtic bang in a few goals and take a big step towards the title, then fun is guaranteed regardless of how any rivals feel about it.
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