Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has admitted Celtic has a mental advantage this weekend as his team play a day before their closest title rivals, Rangers.
With the Scottish Premiership nearing its climax, Rodgers admitted that playing first could exert additional pressure on Rangers, who are trailing in the title race.
Celtic, the current champions, are set to face Hearts at Parkhead on Saturday, potentially extending their lead to six points before Rangers even kick off against Kilmarnock on Sunday. It makes their game a must-win or face Celtic potentially wrapping up the league against them in the Glasgow Derby next weekend.
Brendan Rodgers said [Celtic TV]: “Listen, I can sit here and lie and say no. But scoreboard pressure is always there,” Rodgers said, acknowledging the psychological advantage of setting the pace in the title race. “However, it counts for nothing if you don’t do your job. I think if you’re playing second, of course you’ll know the other team’s result, but primarily you have to focus on yourselves. It can certainly add weight, especially at this time of the season.”
Rodgers’ comments reflect the intense scrutiny and high stakes at this critical juncture of the season, with every match and its timing having potential implications for the championship outcome.
Celtic will be focussing on themselves, though. They know that if they get their work done they’ll be crowned champions within the next four games.
