Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has a remarkable record in Glasgow derbies: In 21 matches played, he’s won 16 and drawn three. Heading into the latest installment of this matchup this Sunday, at Celtic Park, Rangers have only managed to win two with the Irishman in charge at Celtic, although one of those victories occurred earlier this season, when ’Gers won easily at Ibrox at the start of the current calendar year.
The Full Scottish
Served by Brian P. Dunleavy
Several of the recent meetings between the two bitter rivals have been close affairs, with the Hoops finding a way to get a result more often than not. Which is exactly what Rangers have been able to do in Europe in recent seasons, but not in domestic competition.
In 2021-22, for example, the Ibrox side made it to the Europa League final under Giovanni van Bronckhorst, losing on penalties in the final, to Eintracht Frankfurt. That same season, they finished second in the Scottish Premiership four points behind Celtic, which flamed out of the Champions’ League with barely a whimper. Still, van Bronckhorst was gone after a run of poor results to start the next season.
Can Rangers Carry European Success Over to Domestic Front?
In 2021-22, for example, the Ibrox side made it to the Europa League final under Giovanni van Bronckhorst, losing on penalties in the final, to Eintracht Frankfurt. That same season, they finished second in the Scottish Premiership four points behind Celtic, which flamed out of the Champions’ League with barely a whimper. Still, van Bronckhorst was gone after a run of poor results to start the next season.
Now, under interim bench boss and former captain Barry Ferguson, Rangers find themselves in the final eight of the Europa League, after narrowly advancing on penalties on Thursday. Yet, that they were in a position to do so is remarkable: The same side that lost twice—in quick succession—to an albeit game but under-resourced St. Mirren team was able to secure a 3-1 victory at Fenerbahçe, a notoriously difficult place to play, due in no small part to the vocal home support.
Yes, this term, Celtic under Rodgers had a successful European run but a trip to a final never really was in the cards. And yet, the Hoops head into Sunday with a 16-point cushion at the top of the Premiership table. Their Ibrox rivals can only dream of catching them. All of which begs the question: Why can’t Rangers—under a several managers now—translate European success to the domestic front?
The answer? We’re not sure. But we bet van Bronckhorst, Michael Beale and Philippe Clement would like to know as well.