Ferguson’s Rangers, inconsistencies and no great change – Brendan Rodgers

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The Celtic Star

·15 marzo 2025

Ferguson’s Rangers, inconsistencies and no great change – Brendan Rodgers

Brendan Rodgers outlined that he hasn’t noticed a “great change” in theRangers since Barry Ferguson took charge, ahead of tomorrow lunchtime’s Glasgow Derby clash…

theRangers interim Manager Barry Ferguson and theRangers interim goalkeeping coach Allan McGregor Kilmarnock v theRangers, Scottish Premiership, The BBSP Stadium Rugby Park, Kilmarnock, – 26 February 2025 Photo Stuart Wallace Shutterstock

The Belgian waffler Philippe Clement was sacked

Barry Ferguson took over as interim manager of his boyhood club last month after the dismissal of the Belgian waffler Philippe Clement.

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In his four matches as interim manager, the former Scotland international has secured two victories against Kilmarnock and Fenerbahce away, but suffered defeats to both Motherwell and Fenerbahce at home.

Although theRangers were beaten 2-0 by Jose Mourinho’s side on Thursday evening, they advanced to the Europa League quarter-finals after sealing progress via a penalty shootout.

Celtic closing in on 13th title in 14 seasons

Tomorrow, the three-in-a-row Scottish champions will face the Ibrox club at Celtic Park, looking to extend their lead to 19 points at the top of the league. Should Rodgers’ men defeat their rivals, the Hoops will only be two wins away from yet another title win, our 13th in 14 seasons.

“I don’t know Barry, but I know him as a player,” Brendan Rodgers said. “I know that he’s gone in and has got a great connection with the supporters given his history and success at the club. He was a fantastic player for them.”

“I don’t see great change,” Brendan Rodgers

“For me, if I look at it purely from a coach’s perspective, over the course of four games, I don’t see great change.

Rangers interim Manager Barry Ferguson shakes hands with Kilmarnock manager Derek McInnes Kilmarnock v Rangers, Scottish Premiership, The BBSP Stadium Rugby Park, Kilmarnock, 26 February 2025 Photo: Stuart Wallace Shutterstock

“I saw the team go 2-0 down at Kilmarnock but come back to win. I saw the defeat to Motherwell. I saw they went away and got a fantastic result against Fenerbahce, and then I saw the team lost 2-0 in the 90 minutes but won the tie.

“I’ve seen the system changed. So, there was a really good tactical change to go 4-5-1 in Fenerbahce, but it’s still similar to the same traits. You could look at Barry over a longer time. If you’re talking to me about coaching and managing, and tactics, man-management, professionalism and these things, that will be done over a period of time,” the Celtic manger said.

Callum McGregor and Brendan Rodgers with the Premier Sports Cup after Celtic’s victory over theRangers on 15 December 2024 at Hampden Park. Photo Kenny Ramsay

Inconsistencies

“If you’re looking at the short term, him coming in, some of the fans can connect with. Of course, he looks really happy to be in the job, as do his staff. But I think if you’re talking coaching, I see a lot of the same traits. Some very good performances and some inconsistencies.”

Brendan Rodgers has now seen off so many managers across the city, and tomorrow he’ll be looking at starting his work to send another one packing while Ferguson is talking about ending theRangers‘ dreadful record at Celtic Park.

It’s going to be quite a contest.

Conor Spence

27 August 2000: Henrik Larsson celebrates during the Scottish Premier League match against Rangers at Celtic Park. Celtic won the game 6 – 2. Photo: Stu Forster /Allsport