Celtic’s 3-0 defeat to Rangers at Ibrox has sent shockwaves through a club that has enjoyed a commanding season until now. Brendan Rodgers, speaking with rare candor after the match, admitted that it was the poorest derby performance he has overseen across both his managerial spells at Celtic. The Hoops registered just one shot on target, struggled to find their rhythm, and were comprehensively outplayed by their fiercest rivals.
For a team that had been unbeaten this season and had only lost twice in the past 12 months, this result was a bitter pill to swallow. What made it even more painful was not just the defeat itself, but the manner in which it came about. Celtic lacked aggression, precision, and composure—hallmarks of their usual style under Rodgers. In his post-match comments, the manager didn’t shy away from acknowledging these shortcomings.
“Yes, I felt it at half-time,” Rodgers said when asked if this was the worst derby display he’d seen from his side. “I’d mentioned to the players I didn’t think we could be any worse in the second half. A little bit better, but not much better. And two, I’ve got experience of coming from behind when we’ve been here, so I know we can do it. But we never really had that reaction today, I didn’t feel that. I didn’t think we were so aggressive and had that quality in our game, and that precision in our passing in order to hurt them. So yes, probably over the course of the couple of spells, that performance certainly wasn’t up there.”
Rodgers’ comments reflect not only disappointment but also frustration at the lack of response from his players. Celtic teams of the past have risen to the challenge in adversity, but this time, they seemed unable to muster the fight required to turn the tide. Glasgow derbies are known for their intensity, passion, and fine margins, but Celtic fell well short of the standards expected in such a high-stakes encounter.
Despite the loss, the result doesn’t threaten Celtic’s position at the top of the Premiership table. However, it does serve as a stark reminder that no success can be taken for granted, particularly in derby matches where form and momentum often take a backseat to sheer determination and execution. For Celtic fans, the defeat is hard to take, not just because of the scoreline but because it marks a rare off-day in an otherwise dominant campaign.
With a home game against St Mirren at Parkhead in just a few days, the focus must now shift to ensuring this result is a one-off. Rodgers and his coaching staff will be desperate to see a strong response from the team. The upcoming fixture offers the perfect opportunity to regain momentum, reaffirm their title credentials, and put the Rangers defeat firmly in the rearview mirror.
For the players, the challenge will be to show that this result doesn’t define their season. Leadership on the pitch will be key, as will the ability to recapture the aggression, sharpness, and fluidity that have been Celtic’s trademarks this season. Fans will undoubtedly expect a performance that not only delivers three points but also demonstrates the hunger and drive required to maintain their dominance in Scottish football.
This loss, while painful, can serve as a turning point. It’s a reminder that complacency has no place in a club like Celtic, where expectations are sky-high, especially in Glasgow derbies. The players now have a chance to show their resilience and character. A convincing victory over St Mirren could reignite the Hoops’ title charge and restore the confidence of supporters, proving that this setback was merely a blip in an otherwise outstanding campaign.