Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has downplayed any major transformation at Rangers under Barry Ferguson, ahead of this weekend’s crucial Glasgow Derby at Celtic Park.
Ferguson, a former Rangers captain, was placed in interim charge following the sacking of Philippe Clement last month. In his four games at the helm, he has secured wins over Kilmarnock and Fenerbahce away from home but suffered defeats to Motherwell and Fenerbahce at Ibrox.
Despite their 2-0 loss to Roma in the second leg of the Europa League knockout stage, Rangers progressed to the quarter-finals after a dramatic penalty shootout victory.
This Sunday, Celtic will look to extend their dominance in the title race, with a win over Rangers potentially pushing them 19 points clear at the top of the Scottish Premiership.
Rodgers’ Verdict on Rangers Under Ferguson
Rodgers admitted he doesn’t see a major tactical shift under Ferguson but acknowledged his strong connection with the Rangers fanbase due to his history at the club.
“I don’t know Barry personally, but I know him as a player,” Rodgers said. “I know he’s gone in with a great connection to the supporters because of his history and success at the club. He was a fantastic player for them.”
However, in terms of coaching and tactical evolution, Rodgers doesn’t believe much has changed.
“If I look at it purely from a coach’s perspective, over four games, I don’t see great change. I saw the team go 2-0 down at Kilmarnock but come back to win. I saw the defeat to Motherwell. I saw them get a fantastic result against Fenerbahce away, and then I saw them lose 2-0 to Roma but win the tie overall.
Rodgers did acknowledge a tactical shift in Europe but still sees familiar patterns in Rangers’ style of play.
“I’ve seen the system changed. There was a really good tactical switch to go 4-5-1 against Fenerbahce, but overall, it’s still similar to the same traits.”
A Long-Term Test for Ferguson?
Rodgers suggested that Ferguson’s true impact will be judged over time rather than a four-game sample.
“If you’re talking to me about coaching, managing, tactics, man-management, professionalism—these things will be judged over a longer period of time.
“In the short term, some fans will connect with him, and of course, he looks really happy to be in the job, as do his staff.”
Despite Ferguson’s enthusiasm, Rodgers emphasized that he still sees a mix of strong performances and inconsistencies from Rangers.
“If you’re talking about coaching, I see a lot of the same traits. Some very good performances and some inconsistencies.”
With Sunday’s derby looming, both managers will have a chance to prove their tactical acumen in one of the most crucial Old Firm clashes of the season.
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