Brendan Rodgers, the manager of Celtic, has faced unexpected scrutiny following his team's heartbreaking 3-2 defeat to Rangers on March 16, 2025. This recent loss marks the second consecutive defeat for Celtic in high-stakes clashes against their historical rivals, raising alarm bells not only among die-hard fans but also among football pundits.
The match itself started in shocking fashion for the Celtic side, as Rangers surged to a quick 2-0 lead within the first half. Daizen Maeda and Reo Hatate managed to pull Celtic back into contention. However, just when it seemed Celtic might pull off a stunning turnaround, Hamza Igamane netted the game-winner at the death, sealing victory for Rangers and complicating matters for the Hoops.
Critics have pointed fingers at Brendan Rodgers’ tactical choices and the lack of experience on the bench to react decisively during the match. On Clyde Superscoreboard, former Ibrox and Hearts midfielder Andy Halliday voiced that the battle was not just won on the pitch but in the dugout. Halliday stated, “In terms of Rodgers not learning from the previous defeat, I tend to agree,” highlighting the importance of adapting strategies against a rival like Rangers.
The concerns raised by Halliday echo those expressed by Johan Mjalby, a former assistant manager at Celtic, who emphasized learning from these back-to-back defeats. He proclaimed on the Premier Sports’ Scottish Football Social Club, “I would be fuming, I’m telling you that... He must learn because he’s a perfectionist.” This statement underscores that despite Celtic’s impressive 13-point lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership, complacency cannot linger in light of recent setbacks.
Mjalby went on to caution that these losses serve as pivotal wake-up calls for the team. “It’s probably good in that sense that these two defeats have come because it is a wake-up call—not to get like a fat cat and think everything is just happy days all the time,” he expressed. His sentiments underline both a tactical urgency and a need for psychological adjustments before future encounters post-league split.
Furthermore, as discussions around the league continue, Michael Gannon from 'Hotline Live' noted the emotional landscape surrounding Rangers’ victory celebrations. They had indeed gone wild after securing their first away derby win in half a decade, crowning a difficult season on a high note. Gannon remarked, “They should be kicking themselves... How can that possibly be?” addressing the disparity between their emotional highs following the win and their significant plight in the league standings, trailing 13 points behind Celtic.
This complicated dynamic of celebrating a defeat over Celtic while still being significantly behind in the league showcases the emotional rollercoaster that accompanies rivalries in sports. Yet, amid all the celebrations and frustrations, Celtic remains a formidable force, already celebrating a League Cup victory this season, while still very much in contention for the Scottish Premiership and the Scottish Cup.
Despite this season’s high expectations and making strides toward defending their title, the pressure is now on Brendan Rodgers to not only regroup but to recalibrate his team’s tactical approach. As Mjalby hinted, “It’s going to be interesting to see in the next Old Firm,” suggesting that significant changes to personnel or strategy may be on the horizon for Celtic.
In light of this, the path forward must integrate both lessons learned from past defeats and acknowledgment of their capacity for success. The fans will undoubtedly hope that their beloved team can rise from the ashes of this turmoil to once again secure their place atop Scottish football. The upcoming matches will be critical, as Celtic strives to sustain its league lead and refocus its ambitions for the seasons ahead.
