Brendan Rodgers has over 800 games of managerial experience.
The Northern Irishman is in his sixth season managing the Hoops, and has seen everything as a manager in Glasgow.
Rodgers has also seen off a host of Rangers managers – Russell Martin is not the first to go through an Ibrox crisis during Rodgers’ spell.
But none have gone through what Martin is at the moment. Since his arrival at the club, they have not won a single league match in five.
This has understandably led to much criticism, from media and the fans alike – but Rodgers has made it clear that some of his critics – and one in particular – should know better.
‘It’s a lonely place…’ Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers on Russell Martin
Celtic are already nine points ahead of Rangers in the league table, and are joint at the top of the Scottish Premiership with Hearts.
Speaking on the ongoing criticisms of his opposite number at Ibrox, the 52-year-old seemed to aim his frustrations at one former Rangers boss in particular.
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He said: “It can be a lonely place. The voices of safety are even less. There’s hardly any time to breathe. But you have to find a way.
“I was 39 when I managed Liverpool, so I know exactly what it’s like. You go into the big arenas and everything else, but this will make him stronger.
“You’ve just got to have that inherent belief in what you’re doing, believe in it, and hopefully then you get the opportunity to come through that.”
“I have over 800 games now as a manager. So, I’m always aware and I look to see what other managers will be saying – or people who have been in that position – who should know better.
“Some will say, ‘Well, I’ve got to…’ But you’ve walked in the shoes. Unless you’ve been in the shoes of a manager or a coach, do you really, really understand what that person’s going through?
“And if you have been in that position, then you should respect it more. You know how tough it is. You know how challenging it is. You know certain things you can’t change, that you can’t bring out into the open.
“So, for me, I’ve always found that interesting when managers that are currently in a job, they’re taking a bit of stick from people who weren’t that long ago in the job and found it challenging.”
Are Brendan Rodgers’ comments aimed at Barry Ferguson?
Rodgers’ comments, particularly the ‘weren’t that long ago in the job’ comment, indicate that he’s aiming it towards Barry Ferguson – but as always with Brendan, he has left it open to interpretation.
Ferguson has already conceded that he expects Celtic to be comfortable in the title race, and has made other comments about Martin so far this season.
A cynic would maybe say that Rodgers just wants Martin to remain in the job to make his own life easier – but the comments certainly seem sincere.
The Ibrox board seem to agree, with Martin staying in his post for their match this weekend, despite fan protests planned.
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