The Ibrox manager questioned the Celtic midfielder’s assertion of dominance and stressed the importance of focusing on results rather than words before the derby.
Danny Rohl has addressed comments made by Luke McCowan after the Celtic midfielder claimed that no team in the Scottish Premiership can match Celtic when they are at their best.

McCowan made the statement following Celtic’s Europa League win over Stuttgart, a result that ended in aggregate elimination despite a 1-0 victory on the night. He argued that Celtic’s quality remains unmatched in the league when they hit top form.

Rohl, however, pushed back on the suggestion. He highlighted the league table and Celtic’s number of defeats this season as evidence that dominance is not as clear as McCowan implied.

“At the moment we are in the second position, they are behind us,” Rohl said. “They have seven or eight defeats. In general it makes no sense to speak too much about the other side; we have to focus on ourselves. We want to win this game.”

The Ibrox manager expressed confidence in his team’s ability to compete in the derby and insisted they are ready to challenge for points.

“I see my team is ready to take points, and then we will see on Sunday,” Rohl added. “Hopefully both teams try everything, and I am confident we have a big chance of winning this game.”

McCowan’s original comments reflected a belief in Celtic’s strength and mentality as reigning champions.

“If we are at it, no team in that league touches us,” he said. “We need to have that mentality going in. As Celtic players, we need to know we are champions until we lose it.”

Rohl acknowledged the importance of confidence but suggested that declarations of superiority must be backed up on the pitch.

“I was a little surprised after 1-0 that they were not trying to win the game 2-0 or 3-0,” he said, referencing Celtic’s approach in Europe. “They kept the result until the end. I think they are just a little bit apart.”

With the Premiership title race heating up and the next Old Firm clash approaching, both sides will aim to back up their words with performances. Rohl’s message remains clear: results matter more than statements.

The upcoming derby could play a significant role in shaping the title picture, with both clubs determined to assert their superiority in one of football’s most intense rivalries.