Celtic’s dominance in Scottish football is no accident, with the club operating like a finely tuned machine under Brendan Rodgers. This week, Gordon Dalziel’s comments on Open Goal offered an unintentional spotlight on the stark differences between Celtic’s professionalism and the turmoil unfolding at Ibrox.
The former Rangers striker criticised his old club’s media team for posting stats about their failure to score from set-pieces this season. He suggested such moves reflect poorly on Rangers’ internal structure, contrasting it with the meticulous control at Celtic Park. Dalziel emphasised that such negative narratives wouldn’t be tolerated under Brendan Rodgers’ watch. “Do you think he (Clement) has got full control, because I will tell you the reason I am going to say this.
“See if you are a Rangers manager and you have got the Rangers media putting out stats like ‘we haven’t scored a goal from a set-play this season’.
“See if you’re a strong leader and a strong manager, you pull them into your office and say, ‘listen, that doesn’t go out. Your own club doesn’t put that out. I am sorry, you don’t do that. They will never do that against Brendan Rodgers. That doesn’t happen at Celtic Park.”
Rodgers’ return to Celtic has reinforced the club’s well-run image, both on and off the pitch. The Parkhead side is a prime example of how leadership and a clear vision translate into success. The manager not only oversees the team’s performances but also ensures the broader Celtic narrative remains focused on progress and positivity.
Currently sitting 11 points clear of Rangers at the top of the Scottish Premiership, Celtic’s seamless operations continue to leave rivals in their wake. From their tactical discipline on the pitch to their slick approach in the media, the Hoops showcase what it means to be a modern football powerhouse.
The two managers will face off at Hampden for the second time in a cup final. Last time out in May, Brendan Rodgers’s men grabbed a last-minute winner to win the Scottish Cup final and complete a well-earned double. This time, in the dark of December, the two sides will face off, one going from strength to strength and the other looking a complete shambles.
