Brendan Rodgers explains what Celtic didn’t do in recent Rangers loss, must improve

Add as preferred source on Google

Brendan Rodgers knows what must be done to win a Glasgow derby.

The Celtic manager’s record vs Rangers is strong and he hopes to add to that with another victory come Sunday afternoon.

It has been a stellar season for the Hoops so far who hold a dramatic 16-point lead over their rivals at the top of the Scottish Premiership. That could become 19 with a win at Celtic Park and the Irishman knows how vital that could be to the title ‘race’.

Two wins this term from three outings against the Light Blues this season is Celtic’s record and that includes a resounding 3-0 win as well as an enthralling penalty shootout victory in the Premier Sports Cup Final back in December following a 3-3 draw.

• READ MORE: What James Forrest said about a Celtic goal vs Rangers ‘that sticks out’ will bring a smile to fans’ faces

Rodgers says Celtic have learned from the Rangers defeat

At Ibrox, though, it was less favourable for Celts as they lost 3-0 to Rangers but that game is gone, says the manager. And instead of focusing too much on it, Rodgers has chosen to reveal to fans just how far his side have come since that day.

“I think in every Celtic Rangers game there’s always attention and excitement leading into the game,” Rodgers said. “You just hope you can get the performance.

“During my time as Celtic manager we’ve tended to do that. The game earlier in the season was very good 3-0, the cup final was tight but we came through it. And then the game at Ibrox, Rangers were the better team.

“We didn’t meet the demands of the game that day and what it takes in that type of fixture. But the players’ response has been outstanding. I think at that point we were 14 clear of Rangers, we come into this game and we’re 16 points.

“The players’ response has been good and we’ve had to learn lessons from that.”

How important focus vs Rangers will be to Celtic

Rodgers also believes it is vital for his Celtic squad to remain focused on the details when the derby rolls around.

The fixture can be a frantic one but the boss hopes to drill into his side that they need 100 percent attention.

Rodgers is a perfectionist and will have the fine details tuned when Barry Ferguson takes his side across Glasgow. But Celtic need to implement the plan on the pitch.

And asked how important that will be, the gaffer responded: “Very. It is easier said than done because of the passion and energy but this is one for us to perform and we’ll have 57,000 supporters really behind us.

“We want to make them proud of their team and we want to make another step forward in the league. For us that’s about performance and if we perform well we believe we have a chance of winning any game.”