On Sunday (September 2) at 13:00 CET, Brendan Rodgers and Steven Gerrard will meet for the first time as managers in Scotland’s fierce derby between Celtic and Rangers. The game will take place at Celtic Park in Glasgow in front of 60.000 screaming fans.
Celtic – Rangers Match Preview
The Old Firm rivalry is always a sight to behold, but this time, it has some extra spice added to it. Steven Gerrard will try to get the better of his former Liverpool manager, a man he respects, but a man he also criticized in the past.
Celtic vs Rangers Odds
For instance, Gerrard thought Rodgers was overconfident heading into the 2013/14 decisive contest with Chelsea.
“… I was seriously concerned that we thought we could blow Chelsea away,”
“I sensed an overconfidence in Brendan’s team talks. We played into Chelsea’s hands. I feared it then and I know it now.”
Gerrard went on to make a crucial turnover in the loss which practically gave the title to Manchester City. Rodgers has since refuted those claims.
The relationship soured when Rodgers decided to manage Gerrard’s playing time (34), something which didn’t sit well with Liverpool’s former skipper.
“If Brendan’s managing of my games meant that I would have to miss playing against Real, in Madrid, it seemed as if I had seen the end,”
“How could I go on playing for Liverpool another year if these were the kind of empty nights that awaited me?”
Celtic vs Rangers Odds
The game Gerrard is referring to is a Champions League encounter with Real Madrid. Stevie-G eventually left to join LA Galaxy, while Rodgers was fired soon afterwards.
Despite the tense ending, Liverpool’s legend has always praised Rodgers’ managerial style.
“If I were to ever become a manager – I’d try to fuse the best of Rafa Benitez’s tactical thinking with Brendan’s skill as a man-manager.”
It seems to be working for now, as Gerrard is undefeated in 11 games in charge of Rangers FC. Can he make it 12 in a row? We’ll find out on Sunday.
Celtic – Rangers Odds
Celtic 1.66
Draw 3.75
Rangers 5.00
Rangers have conceded nine goals in the last two meetings, with their last victory coming all the way back in 2012.
