AdminCeltic captain Callum McGregor has revealed that the team will be adopting a “siege mentality” when they face Rangers at Ibrox today. The match is the first Glasgow derby of the 2024/25 season, and the Hoops are aware that they will be facing a hostile environment with no away fans in attendance. This is a familiar scenario for Celtic, who have often found themselves in this situation when playing against their arch-rivals.
However, despite the challenges that come with playing at Ibrox, Celtic can take confidence from their recent record against Rangers. Manager Brendan Rodgers has lost just once in 20 matches against the Gers, and McGregor himself has a strong record against Rangers. The Celtic captain has emphasized the importance of the team’s mindset going into the match, and has revealed that they will be adopting a “siege mentality” to help them overcome the obstacles that they will face.
“When we arrive in the stadium, we understand everyone’s against us,” McGregor said. “It kind of helps the group a little bit where you have that siege mentality. It’s whatever you’ve got inside that dressing room, the 40 to 50 bodies that are working on the day. It’s us against them and you have to go and stand up and be counted and be there for each other.” This mentality is one that has served Celtic well in the past, and it will be crucial in helping them to overcome the challenges that they will face at Ibrox.
McGregor also emphasized the importance of getting a result for the Celtic fans who will be watching the match on TV or elsewhere. “When you don’t have any supporters in the stadium then you feel even more responsibility to try and get a result for the guys that are watching either on the tellies or wherever they are,” he said. “So, sometimes you take a wee bit more pleasure in that as well.” This sense of responsibility is one that will drive the Celtic players to perform at their best, and it will be a key factor in their approach to the match.
A win for Celtic today would be a significant blow to Rangers, who are already struggling. The Gers have had a difficult start to the season, and a defeat at the hands of their arch-rivals would only add to their woes. On the other hand, a win for Celtic would see them extend their lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership to 17 points, and would be a major statement of intent from the Hoops.
While derbies are often unpredictable and chaotic, Celtic’s quality and recent record against Rangers suggest that they have a good chance of picking up all three points. The Hoops have a strong squad and a talented manager, and they have the ability to adapt to different situations and overcome challenges. If they can manage to get the ball down and play their usual game, they may be able to overcome the hostile environment and come out on top.
The match is set to be a intense and competitive encounter, with both teams eager to come out on top. The atmosphere at Ibrox will be electric, and the players will need to be focused and composed if they are to succeed. However, with their recent record and the motivation of playing for their fans, Celtic may have the edge they need to secure a victory.
Overall, the match between Celtic and Rangers is one that promises to be exciting and unpredictable. The Hoops will be looking to extend their lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership, while the Gers will be desperate to get a win and boost their chances of catching up with their arch-rivals. The stage is set for a thrilling encounter, and the fans will be eagerly anticipating the match. With their “siege mentality” and their recent record against Rangers, Celtic may have the upper hand, but the Gers will be determined to cause an upset and get a win.
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