The 3-0 defeat at Ibrox in the Glasgow derby has left a significant mark on Celtic, and while Brendan Rodgers was understandably open and honest about the result, he remains focused on the broader picture. Despite the heavy loss, Rodgers emphasized that the outcome of this match would not define Celtic’s season. With the Hoops comfortably clear at the top of the Scottish Premiership and having recently triumphed over Rangers in the Premier Sports Cup final, the result at Ibrox is a temporary setback. As Rodgers stated, “We look at the bigger picture, we’re halfway through the season, we’re 11 points clear. Today is a little reminder that we need to keep pushing and fighting.”
Rodgers is right to remind his players and supporters that the season isn’t made or broken in one match. However, the nature of the defeat, especially against their bitter rivals, is undeniably disappointing. Celtic fans are accustomed to seeing their team dominate domestically, and any slip-ups, particularly in a high-stakes derby, are always met with frustration. While this is only Celtic’s second defeat of the season, the performance on the pitch failed to meet the high standards they have set over the past few months. It was a match where Celtic looked flat, lacking the intensity and flair that has made them so difficult to beat this season.
The defeat was disappointing not just for the result, but because it exposed areas of vulnerability within the team, areas that Rodgers will need to address if Celtic are to continue challenging for trophies across multiple competitions. As Celtic head into the second half of the season, with domestic league action, the Scottish Cup, and Champions League aspirations still alive, the defeat at Ibrox must serve as a wake-up call. The Hoops cannot afford to rest on their laurels, and Rodgers will need to ensure that the team improves and strengthens in key positions to remain competitive.
One of the most pressing concerns that surfaced during the derby was the performance in key areas of the pitch. Left-back, for example, has become an increasingly important position to monitor. With Greg Taylor reportedly out of contract in the summer and potentially eyeing a move to Dinamo Zagreb on a pre-contract, and with Alex Valle currently only on loan from Barcelona, Celtic may be facing a situation where they need to sign a long-term solution at left-back. Taylor’s potential departure, combined with Valle’s temporary status, means this position could be a focal point for recruitment this January.
Moreover, the defeat exposed the lack of depth in the attacking department. Both Daizen Maeda and Nicolas Kuhn struggled to have an impact on the game, and their inability to break down Rangers’ defense was evident throughout the match. Celtic lacked the cutting edge in the final third, and the lack of a suitable alternative to Maeda or Kuhn during the game left the team with little flexibility in their attack. In a high-intensity derby, having fresh legs or a tactical change off the bench could have altered the course of the game. With Maeda and Kuhn failing to influence proceedings, Rodgers might look to bring in another winger during the January window to provide more dynamism and competition in the wide areas.
The central defense and midfield areas also came under scrutiny after the loss. At center-back, the performance of Liam Scales was particularly underwhelming. Despite showing promise earlier in the season, Scales failed to deliver on the big occasion at Ibrox, and his mistakes were costly. Austin Trusty, who has shown flashes of potential since joining Celtic, was left on the bench, which indicates that Rodgers does not yet fully trust him to start in such a high-pressure game. This is a critical point, as Celtic will need more reliable options in defense for the remainder of the season, especially as they face stiffer competition in domestic and European matches.
In midfield, the absence of Matt O’Riley was acutely felt. While Callum McGregor tried to control the game from the center, he was marked out of the match by Rangers’ midfielders, leaving Celtic struggling to build any rhythm or sustain possession. O’Riley’s ability to pick up the ball in tight spaces, drive forward, and link up play has been a vital component of Celtic’s success this season, and his absence was a clear disadvantage. Both Paulo Bernardo and Reo Hatate were unable to fill the void left by O’Riley, and the team’s lack of creativity in midfield was one of the key factors in the defeat. McGregor, although always industrious, is not enough on his own to lead the midfield in such demanding matches. Rodgers will need to strengthen this area, especially with the challenge of balancing domestic duties with European commitments in the second half of the season.
The overall performance against Rangers highlighted the depth of Celtic’s squad as a key concern. While the Hoops have a talented first XI, the lack of impact from certain players, particularly in key areas, suggests that more reinforcements are necessary if Celtic are to maintain their momentum and challenge on multiple fronts. The January transfer window offers Rodgers the opportunity to strengthen these positions, ensuring that Celtic have the depth and quality to perform in both the Scottish Premiership and the Champions League.
Rodgers has a clear understanding that this defeat is a bump in the road, but it’s also a valuable opportunity for reflection and improvement. He will need to work on bolstering Celtic’s squad to ensure that they can recover from this setback and push on to achieve success in the second half of the season. With the team already in a strong position domestically, and with the opportunity to go deep in the Scottish Cup and Champions League, there is still plenty to play for. The Hoops need to learn from this loss and use it as motivation to perform at the level expected of them.
The upcoming match against St Mirren at Celtic Park will be an important test to see how the team bounces back after this defeat. Celtic will need to show character, resilience, and improvement in their performance, particularly in the areas that were exposed at Ibrox. If they can do so, then the focus will quickly shift back to their pursuit of further silverware. However, Rodgers must use this moment to address the squad’s deficiencies and ensure Celtic are in the best possible shape for the challenges ahead. The defeat against Rangers may have stung, but it could ultimately serve as a catalyst for Celtic to strengthen and improve as they aim to finish the season on a high.