Recent interactions between former Rangers captain Barry Ferguson and Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers have sparked discussions in Scottish football circles. Ferguson, now serving as Rangers’ interim manager, led his team to a significant 3-2 victory over Celtic at Parkhead, marking Rangers’ first win at the venue since 2020.
Prior to the match, Rodgers had downplayed the impact of Ferguson’s managerial role, suggesting that Rangers hadn’t changed much under his leadership. He stated, “I don’t see great change. I’ve seen the team change the system… But I still see a lot of the same traits.” This comment was perceived by some as an attempt to stoke the Old Firm rivalry.
Ferguson’s approach to the game contrasted with Rodgers’ remarks. He embraced the challenge, expressing enthusiasm about experiencing the fixture from the touchline for the first time. His positive mindset seemed to resonate with the Rangers squad, leading to their spirited performance and eventual victory.
Post-match, former Rangers player Kris Boyd highlighted Rodgers’ earlier comments, suggesting that the Celtic manager might have underestimated Ferguson’s influence. Boyd noted that Rangers’ performance was exceptional, implying that Rodgers had witnessed a different Rangers side than he had anticipated.
In response to Ferguson’s previous criticisms, Rodgers addressed the former player’s comments after a match where ten-man Celtic defeated Rangers. Ferguson had labeled Celtic’s win as “lucky,” to which Rodgers retorted by emphasizing Celtic’s consistent performance in similar situations, dismissing the notion of luck. He also acknowledged Ferguson’s strong ties to Rangers and suggested that such comments might stem from the pain of defeat.
These exchanges underscore the intense rivalry between the two clubs and the personal dynamics influencing the narratives surrounding their encounters. Both managers have used media interactions to motivate their teams and engage with the broader football community, reflecting the passion inherent in Scottish football.
