Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers declared that the upcoming Glasgow Derby against The Rangers would be the “easiest game” his team could play next.

This comes in the wake of Celtic’s lacklustre 0-0 draw against St Johnstone and their recent exit from the Viaplay Cup at the hands of Kilmarnock.

With fans clearly frustrated, as evidenced by the jeers that met the final whistle, Rodgers’ comments may raise eyebrows but also reflect a certain logic.

The Celtic manager emphasised that when it comes to the derby clash, “producing on the big stage is non-negotiable.” He added, “When you’re playing Rangers, whether it’s home or away, it’s the easiest game ever as a manager, in terms of motivation and commitment. It’s an obligation—you don’t have a choice in any game, but in particular in that game.” [SunSport]

Rodgers acknowledged that the recent performance against St Johnstone was disappointing, even saying it felt like a loss. However, he noted that the point earned might prove valuable as the season progresses. Despite the setbacks, Rodgers expressed confidence in his squad’s ability to bounce back in the high-stakes environment of the Glasgow Derby, stating, “The players will recover, and we’ll get ready for another week.”

As pressure continues to mount on Rodgers and his Celtic team, the derby match now looms as a potentially defining moment in their season. The manager seems to view it as an opportunity rather than a challenge, signalling his belief that when the stakes are highest, his team will rise to the occasion. The expectation at Celtic is always to win, and Rodgers appears to believe that the imminent clash with Rangers is precisely the kind of situation where his team will show their mettle.