It’s Old Firm weekend and Brendan Rodgers reckons it’s pretty much the same Rangers he’ll be facing.
Out of context, that’s not a popular sentiment amongst Celtic diehards but we all know what he meant. Barry Ferguson may have guided Rangers through to the quarter-finals of the Europa League. but his opposite number has seen plenty of the same traits that were all to evident under Philippe Clement, especially on domestic duty.
But the Gers faithful – back inside Parkhead tomorrow for the first time since 2023 – reckon the Hoops boss is on another planet. Peter Cooperwhite emailed: “So the great Brendan Rodgers reckons Rangers haven’t changed under Barry Ferguson. Well Brendan you must have been in an other world the last week. Rangers have qualified for the quarter finals of the Europa league. When was the last time a Celtic fans uttered them words about their team?”
Stuart McLeod, Stepps, backed him up, saying: “It never fails the glorious Hotline produces the knuckle draggers and green eyed monsters. Kevin Kean obviously doesn’t realise a knockout tie is played over 2 legs and both teams have to score from the penalty spot. Then Scott McAdam is telling anyone who will listen Rangers haven’t played anyone yet whilst Celtic were putting the giants of Bratislava and Young boys to the sword. Why don’t you back YOUR team and eventually win an away game in Europe beyond Christmas?”
But Mr McAdam, Glasgow, hit back, and while Rangers aren’t playing Rocky Balboa, he suspects there’s a knock out coming anyway. He emailed: “A hate to burst Barry’s Barmy army bubble but will Rangers plead with UEFA not to play Balboa at Ibrox and just play both legs in Spain as they hate playing in front of their own fans.”
Andy Logan, Livingston, emailed: “Well done on another record for this Rangers team, first ever to lose 4 games at home on the bounce. They will indeed go into the history books. Is wee Barry the 1st Rangers manager to lose his first 2 home games?
They will probably claim it as a moral victory though as they won on pens.”
There will be relief at Rangers that Kyogo won’t be around to further torment them. The Japanese made a habit of scoring in these matches before his £10m January switch to Lens.
It’s not going well for him however Andrew Lamb, Fraserburgh, suspects he might ba back before too long. He said: “Kyogo thee latest in a long line of players who’ve had genius status in Scotland and struggled once they leave the Scottish comfort zone. French Eddie, Jota, Kyogo and Patrick Roberts all looked great against wooden defenders , but did nowt at a higher level. How long before Kyogo is back at Celtic?