Brendan Rodgers has consistently emphasized throughout the season that the next match on Celtic’s schedule is always the most important.
Even ahead of a Champions League clash with Bayern Munich in Germany, Rodgers’ primary concern was the upcoming Scottish Premiership encounter with Dundee United.
Similarly, before a must-win European tie against Young Boys to keep Celtic’s Champions League hopes alive, the manager was firmly focused on overcoming Kilmarnock to maintain their commanding lead over Rangers in the league.
So it came as no surprise when Rodgers showed little patience during a pre-match press conference for today’s Scottish Cup semi-final against St Johnstone, after being asked about the forthcoming Old Firm showdown against Rangers—still two games and two weeks away.
Rodgers shrugs off premature Rangers guard of honour question
Preparing for what he sees as Celtic’s most important fixture of the season to date, Rodgers is intent on guiding the Hoops toward another domestic treble. With St Johnstone standing in the way of reaching the Scottish Cup final, talk of a potential guard of honour from Rangers at Ibrox was met with the manager’s firm dismissal.
In a brief response to Celtic TV [13m 12s], Rodgers shook his head and said, “When do we play Rangers? A couple of weeks? Right, there’s enough time for that, enough time for that. So, I’m just focused on St Johnstone and that’s the big focus.”
Celtic’s immediate fixtures carry greater weight than Ibrox derby
The next two games for Celtic—against St Johnstone in the Scottish Cup and Dundee United in the Premiership—could very well define their season. Securing victories in these matches would bring them a step closer to clinching the league title and achieving another treble.
While the derby against Rangers will undoubtedly take centre stage when it arrives, for now, it remains secondary. That’s why Rodgers brushed off the question—it’s not about Rangers yet.
