Celtic's upcoming Old Firm clash not a 'dead rubber', insists Rodgers

Rodgers has suffered just one defeat from 20 derbies over two spells with Celtic (W16 D3), only managing more wins over Aberdeen (17) in his entire managerial career.

The 54-time Scottish champions have lost just one of their last five Old Firm derbies since losing all four of their away games against Rangers in all competitions in 2021.

Celtic have also only lost their opening league game of a calendar year in one of the last 27 years (W20 D6), although that was at Ibrox against Rangers in 2021 (1-0).

Rodgers said his players will not "soften up" in their approach at Ibrox despite many suggesting they are already guaranteed to retain the league title.

"There's always pressure of some sort. I hear the talk about a 'dead rubber'," he said. "There is never a Rangers-Celtic game that's a dead rubber - not in my book.

"It is where you are judged at this level, working at Celtic or Rangers - I think you are judged in these games.

"I saw Giovanni van Bronckhorst get to a European final and then lose his job not long after because he was losing to Celtic."

Rodgers has overseen back-to-back 4-0 victories over St. Johnstone and Motherwell to close out 2024, but he is still keen for improvements against Philippe Clement's side.

Their most recent encounter with Rangers came in the Premier Sports Cup final earlier this month, with Celtic winning 5-4 on penalties after a 3-3 draw at Hampden Park.

In that game, Rangers accumulated an expected goals (xG) total of 2.07 from their 19 shots compared to Celtic's 1.47 from their 10 efforts.

"That is a huge measure here of any manager, and I'm fully aware of that, I always have been," Rodgers said of Old Firm derbies.

"Winning against your greatest rivals is very important and the progress of your club is important.

"You want to win every game and you want to perform at the very best level. For me, I love the occasion, I love the game - it's an iconic game and one that I always want to win.

"I have got players who know what it means in this game, and they know what it takes to win, and they - like I - are committed to delivering that."

Rodgers will be hoping for another fast start on Thursday, with Celtic scoring the opening goal in nine of the last 10 league Old Firm derbies.