Brendan Rodgers and Philippe Clement have both had plenty to say over the past few days and the Hotline contributors are keeping close tabs.
The Celtic manager has been in the headlines for his comments about some supporters being impatient and others disrespectful to Greg Taylor due to singing the name of Kieran Tierney. Across Glasgow, Clement is back under the spotlight over statements and excuses made following his team’s 3-3 draw with Hibs. Both bosses are being taken to task on the Hotline.
Firstly, on Rodgers, Sean McGarvey, Cumbernauld, said: “Well done Brendan. You’ve managed to make yourself front and centre of the story, your ego must be happy. In a week when Phil The Flop should be getting it tight you took the heat off of him. Round of applause.” Stephen Mulhern, Dumbarton, said: “Instead of having a go at the fans chanting Tierney, I’d have liked Rodgers to say Taylor is an integral part of the squad and is going nowhere.
Auston Trusty and Liam Scales are both fighting for the jersey and it would be similar if Tierney did return as with his injury problems wouldn’t be playing week in week out.” Scott McAdam, Glasgow , continued: “Rodgers shouldn’t have said what he said. That performance against Rangers was coming for weeks. Celtic have been flat for weeks and results have papered over the cracks and fans like myself have had to pay money to watch it. So he needs to think about that.”
Jimmy Murray, Edinburgh , added: “Can’t understand the complaining about Rodgers giving his opinion. He is managing and coaching the players and club on his own. John Kennedy’ in his 13th job at the club and Gavin Strachan is there because of his father’s connections.”
Clement wasn’t happy at a penalty given to Hibs at Easter Road in a game where his striker Hamza Igamane scored a hat-trick. Jim McClean, Rothesay, said: “So Rangers think they have a superstar at Ibrox. Just because he scored a hat trick against a woeful Hibs defence, he is now worth £25 million. What a joke.
“I just wish big Phil would give other teams a little praise the way Brendan Rodgers did after the Rangers result, saying the best team won.Clement should take a back seat and stop complaining about it being everyone else’s fault. Give us a break.”
Paul Price, Belfast, said: “Clement reminds me of an ex-girlfriend of mine always blaming everybody else constantly pointing fingers he never gives credit to the other team. As Tony Soprano says: If you want respect you gotta give respect.”
Bud Hay, Dumfries, said: “I cannot understand Rangers beating the champions and next game they could not beat Hibs. Clement’s crying it was never a penalty again. Always got an excuse. Concentrate on your game instead of complaining all the time.”
Robert Burns emailed: “For once your resident gum-bumper is correct when he says that’s the worst ever Rangers team. Any side that can only draw with Hibs has to be dire.”
Finally, a bit of backing for both of the two big Glasgow clubs as they prepare to make a return to European competition at the end of this month. Stefan Lomako, Whithorn, said: “Rangers, although hit and miss in Scotland and sometimes the subject of ridicule, usually come to life in the Europa League.
“They lost a Final by one kick not so long ago and there’s no reason they can’t go one better this season and win to qualify automatically for the Champions League next season. I’m also confident that Celtic will give a good account of themselves in the Champions League.”