CALLUM MCGREGOR has backed his manager’s comments after the massive over reaction from across the city.
After Celtic dismantled Hearts last weekend, Brendan Rodgers spoke about working very hard during the week in the lead up the Glasgow Derby and when game time runs they can have ‘fun’.
A totally innocuous comment that managed to rattle just about everybody around Ibrox in perhaps an attempt to get them more worked up for the game on Saturday. Rangers manager Philippe Clement branded the comment disrespectful before saying they’d have fun.
The comment was merely an extension of Rodgers previous comments where he has spoken at length about enjoying these games because of the magnitude and atmosphere at them.
Speaking to Celtic TV ahead of the tie, Captain Callum McGregor hammered home that point. He said: “I love the derbies. I think if you don’t enjoy them, you’re going to struggle playing for a club like this” Cal stated. “Over the years, I’ve built up more experience in this fixture and when the games come around you’re right in the middle of it – you have to enjoy it, enjoy the fight and battle of it.
“Generally when you do that, you have positive experiences. We’ll definitely be looking to have more of that this weekend.
On the mental side of the game, which Brendan Rodgers also spoke about in his Hearts post-match, Callum spoke about how he and his teammates have to deal with the pressure of the occasion. “You’ve got to stay calm in these situations, not get too over emotional but understand what the game means in the context of the season. If we work as hard as we possibly can for each other, with our fans behind us then energy levels go up.
“When we play at an intensity, it’s hard for teams to live with us. We’ll go out there and take the game to them.”
Celtic could effectively wrap up the title with a win against Rangers on Saturday. It would put the Bhoys six points head with six points remaining, meaning they would only need a point from the last two games to confirm the title. A draw would mean Celtic would have to take the title to the final day of the season most likely. A defeat means goal difference could come into things.
It’s the biggest derby in quite some time, and we hope the players are right up for it.
