It’s never a dull week in Glasgow, as Celtic and Rangers proved that once again.
With Russell Martin under severe pressure at Ibrox, it has resulted in the Celtic manager, Brendan Rodgers, coming to the Englishman’s aid during his press conference ahead of the Scottish League Cup clashes.
That’s how much Celtic are dominating, that it allows someone like Rodgers to bizarrely, not only defend the under-fire Martin, but also, indirectly, call out his critics, and they so happen to be Rangers legends.
One of them includes Billy Dodds, who, after Philippe Clement was sacked by Rangers in February, came into the Ibrox dugout as an assistant to Barry Ferguson until the end of the season.
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What did Brendan Rodgers say about Rangers critics during Celtic press conference
It’s rather odd that Rodgers is defending Martin in such a manner, but perhaps you can be patronising when you are winning so much.
But the Irishman told Sky Sports that he has ‘issues’ with certain people, who were ‘stood in Martin’s shoes’, not so long ago, calling him out for certain aspects of what he is doing.
“I saw some of the stuff during the week, when the team went on a team-building exercise,” said Rodgers. “Every team does that. It’s like anything in life, it’s timing.
“Another time, if Russell (Martin) does that, and they won a few games, everybody would be saying, ‘what a great idea.’
“I see the scrutiny that’s on Russell, and whatever happens, he will be better for it. I have some issues around the morale aspect when I see people commenting on how he is doing, and not that long ago, they were stood in his shoes or sat on the bench.
“So, I don’t like that when I see a manager being pulled up on certain parts of the game, and certain tactics of the game, that not so long ago that other people couldn’t work that out either, so for him, everything is on him, and he will be stronger for it.”
Billy Dodds’ response to Rodgers’ comments
Before Rangers could beat Hibernian 2-0 to book their League Cup semi-final ticket on Saturday evening, Dodds made sure to mention those comments from Rodgers.
Speaking on BBC Radio Scotland, Dodds admitted that he did ‘chuckle’ and ‘you have got to laugh’ when he heard the comments from the Celtic boss.
“Rangers, with all the trouble that has been going on, could maybe book themselves a trip at Hampden,” said Dodds.
“Then, for Hibs, it’s a fantastic opportunity for them to pile on the pressure, you would have to say. I’d better watch what I’m saying here, or Brendan (Rodgers) will be looking out.
“I just thought I would throw it in. Yes, I had a chuckle when he had a little phrase or two to say. You have got to laugh.”
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