Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has shared his thoughts ahead of Sunday’s League Cup final, where his side will take on Rangers at Hampden Park. Speaking to the media on Friday, Rodgers highlighted the significance of the game for the club and supporters, while also underlining his excitement for another Glasgow derby.
Rodgers, who has already enjoyed plenty of success in domestic cup competitions during his Celtic tenure, made it clear that these occasions never lose their appeal.
“It’s a really special game, a Celtic vs Rangers final,” said Rodgers. “Obviously, we had one a number of months back in the Scottish Cup final, so there’s always a great build-up to them and always real excitement at the games. For us, it’s a special game, but it’s the next game—and the next game is one we want to win. So that is our mindset going into it.”
Hampden’s Big Pitch Suits Celtic
Rodgers also spoke about the advantages of playing at Hampden, praising the large pitch and how it complements Celtic’s playing style.
“The pitch suits us; it’s a big pitch,” Rodgers explained. “When you play through pressure at a press, then there’s lots of space for you to play, and that’s something that in my time here we’ve enjoyed—whether it’s been a semi-final or a final.”
Celtic’s 6-0 semi-final win over Aberdeen at Hampden is a perfect example, compared to the tighter contest at Pittodrie in the league.
Celtic Hungry to Win
After missing out on the League Cup last season, Rodgers emphasised the squad’s determination to reclaim the trophy.
“A final is a final, and it’s a competition that we obviously missed out on last year, so we’re very hungry to look to win this one,” he said.
Celtic’s dominance in domestic football over the last decade has included several League Cup triumphs, and Sunday presents another opportunity to add to their silverware collection while also asserting their superiority over their city rivals.
The League Cup final kicks off at 3:30 pm on Sunday at Hampden Park, with another sold out stadium expected for the Glasgow derby. Rodgers and his players will be aiming to rise to the occasion and deliver a big performance.
