Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers thinks there were ‘many reasons’ behind the Hoops’ dismal derby defeat at Ibrox this afternoon.
The Bhoys were embarrassed at the home of their fiercest rivals, with Ianis Hagi, Robin Propper, and Danilo all scoring for Rangers in a rare Glasgow derby triumph.
The visitors didn’t look up to it from the off and were rightly punished for a sub-par performance. It was very unlike Celtic to show as little heart and desire, especially on derby day, as they did this afternoon.
Post-match, boss Rodgers sought to explain the reasons behind only his second defeat to Rangers across his two spells at Parkhead.
The Irishman thinks a vast array of issues contributed towards the loss: “It was not a very good performance,” he said (BBC).
“We made too many mistakes, especially in the first half on the ball. That invited pressure. We trapped ourselves in too many areas.
“From that, 1-0, it gives the stadium a lift. Rangers were the better team today. It was very unlike us. We were not aggressive enough without the ball. Too many duels [lost] and moments where they could then break out of pressure. On the ball, it was far too slow.
“The game is a disappointment. I’m not sure if the 14-point gap took the edge off, it shouldn’t, but maybe subconsciously it can do. We did not play well and Rangers deserved to win.
“It was one of those days. They are not robots. The energy in the stadium, they wanted to prove a point, they hadn’t beaten us, and they are so far behind in the league, so there are many reasons why.”
Celtic must bounce back against St. Mirren this Sunday.
They remain 11 points clear at the top of the Scottish Premiership and can at least maintain said advantage with a victory over the Buddies this weekend.
Make no mistake, though: they were miles off it today, and the loss should raise vast concerns.
Rodgers may be happy that there is no traditional Scottish football winter break this season because his team has the opportunity to recover rapidly from this afternoon’s defeat.
The first of nine games in January alone is now behind them. 2025 got off to the worst possible start for the champions, although, as they say, things can only get better.
