Celtic's Rodgers Urges Caution Ahead of Tense Old Firm Derby Against Rival Rangers

As the tension builds ahead of the first Old Firm derby of the season, Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers is keen to temper expectations among fans and players alike. He has labeled the encounter against Rangers this Sunday as a potentially "dangerous" one, underscoring that a false sense of security can lead to complacency. With Celtic sitting two points ahead of their rivals in the Scottish Premiership after a strong start to the season, the reigning champions are eager to maintain their momentum. However, Rodgers emphasizes the importance of respect for an opponent who, despite facing their own challenges, should never be underestimated. Rangers have been navigating a difficult period, forced to host their home games at Hampden due to delays in renovations at Ibrox. The situation has been compounded by a disappointing exit from the Champions League qualifying rounds and comments from new manager Philippe Clement regarding limited resources, adding layers of complexity to their campaign. Yet, as history shows, the Old Firm matches often transcend form and statistics, turning into fiercely contested spectacles fueled by passion and rivalry. Rodgers acknowledges the unique nature of derby matches, stating, "People can sometimes assume that, when you're doing well and everything's going great, you'll just turn up and win." He maintains that such a mindset is perilous, noting that Celtic's professional approach relies on consistent performance regardless of external circumstances. The emotional stakes are high, and both teams understand that anything can happen on the day. Reflecting on last season's encounters, which saw Celtic victorious in four out of five meetings, Rodgers remains cautious. "These are different games, emotional games," he remarked, highlighting the unpredictability inherent in such fierce rivalries. With Celtic's players reportedly prepared and training with focus throughout the week, the manager reinforces the need to prioritize performance over the external narrative of their current league standing. As the clock ticks down to kickoff, the anticipation builds for what promises to be another chapter in the storied rivalry between Celtic and Rangers. Fans on both sides are gearing up for an encounter that, regardless of form or challenges, will surely deliver drama and excitement. In this clash of titans, the only certainty is that anything can happen when the two sides meet on the pitch.