The Glasgow Derby, or the Old Firm as it’s traditionally known, is not merely a football match; it’s a cultural phenomenon, a deeply ingrained part of Scottish identity, intertwined with historical, social, and religious divides. Every word uttered by the managers of Celtic and Rangers is scrutinized, dissected, and often weaponized by the opposing side. In this cauldron of intense rivalry, new video footage purportedly showing Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers making light of Rangers has predictably ignited a fresh wave of fury, further heightening the already fierce animosity between the two giants.
While specific details of the video’s content are not explicitly provided in the prompt, recent reports from early July 2025 shed light on a specific incident: a newly released documentary about Celtic’s 2024/25 season reportedly captured Brendan Rodgers’ post-match comments after Celtic defeated Rangers in the Premier Sports Cup final. According to The Celtic Way, Rodgers delivered a one-liner in the dressing room that has been interpreted by many, particularly on the blue side of Glasgow, as mockery: “If we play well, we win. If we don’t play well, we win.”
This seemingly innocuous, albeit confident, statement, has been amplified by the intense rivalry. For Celtic fans, it’s a statement of undeniable dominance, a reflection of their team’s ability to grind out results even when not at their best, especially against their fiercest rivals. It’s a celebratory quip, a lighthearted jab at their eternal foes. For Rangers supporters, however, it’s a direct insult, a perceived act of arrogance and disrespect that diminishes their club and the competitive nature of the rivalry. It casts Rangers as an inferior opponent, incapable of beating Celtic regardless of how the champions perform.
Brendan Rodgers has a history of navigating, and at times, contributing to the Old Firm’s verbal sparring. During his first spell at Celtic (2016-2019), he enjoyed a period of significant dominance over Rangers, leading to multiple trebles. His comments during that era, while generally composed, often carried a subtle confidence that could be interpreted as dismissive by Rangers fans. Upon his return in 2023, he inherited a team that had lost some of that dominance but quickly reasserted Celtic’s superiority in the 2024-25 season, clinching their 55th league title and equalling Rangers’ record.
The rivalry is ripe with instances where managerial comments have fueled the fire:
- “Enjoy the treble”: A common taunt from Celtic fans to Rangers after multiple treble successes under Rodgers and Ange Postecoglou.
- “We’re having a bit of fun”: In May 2024, ahead of a crucial Old Firm derby, Rodgers said Celtic would be looking to have “a bit of fun.” This comment was immediately seized upon by then-Rangers manager Philippe Clement, who blasted Rodgers for disrespecting his side. Clement’s angry response demonstrated how even seemingly benign comments can be weaponized in the Old Firm.
- Guard of Honour Debates: Prior to an Old Firm clash in May 2025, after Celtic had clinched the title, the discussion around whether Rangers would give Celtic a guard of honour dominated headlines. Rodgers played down the issue publicly, but the very debate itself, and the traditionalist vs. emotional rivalry arguments, highlighted the deeply ingrained resentments.
The “If we play well, we win. If we don’t play well, we win” statement, particularly if captured in a behind-the-scenes documentary, is incendiary for several reasons:
- Perceived Arrogance: For Rangers fans, it reinforces the narrative that Celtic, and Rodgers in particular, view them as an easy touch, an inferior opponent regardless of the circumstances. This perceived arrogance stings deeply.
- Lack of Respect for the Rivalry: In a rivalry defined by fierce respect (even if begrudging) and a recognition of the other’s historical strength, a comment implying that one team can win even on an off-day suggests a fundamental lack of respect for the opponent’s quality and the intensity of the contest.
- Context of the Season: Celtic, in 2024-25, equalled Rangers’ record of 55 league titles. This achievement alone has been a source of immense pride for Celtic and deep frustration for Rangers. To then hear the opposing manager seemingly gloat about their dominance, even when playing “badly,” is salt in fresh wounds.
- “Behind-the-Scenes” Authenticity: A video from a documentary feels more authentic, less filtered than a press conference soundbite. It’s presented as an unvarnished glimpse into the manager’s true feelings, making the perceived mockery feel more genuine and therefore, more infuriating.
- Fueling the Narrative of Inevitability: For Rangers fans, who are desperate to reverse Celtic’s recent domestic dominance, Rodgers’ comment feeds into a narrative of Celtic’s inevitable superiority. It’s a psychological blow, suggesting that even with a new manager (Russell Martin) and new ownership, the gap remains insurmountable.
The new video, and particularly the specific quote attributed to Rodgers, is guaranteed to:
- Infuriate Rangers Fans: Social media channels and fan forums will undoubtedly erupt with outrage. Calls for Rangers players to use it as motivation will be widespread, as will personal attacks on Rodgers.
- Motivate Rangers Players: While managers typically downplay such comments, it’s highly probable that Russell Martin will use this video (or at least the sentiment of it) as a powerful motivational tool in the Rangers dressing room. It provides a tangible example of the disrespect they are perceived to be facing.
- Intensify Future Old Firm Clashes: The next Old Firm derby, scheduled for August 31, 2025, at Ibrox, was already set to be a fiery affair. This video will add an extra layer of needle. Every tackle, every goal, every refereeing decision will be amplified by the perceived slight.
- Contribute to Managerial Sparring: Expect more subtle (or not-so-subtle) jabs from Russell Martin in his press conferences, perhaps referencing “respect” or “earning wins.”
- Reinforce Celtic’s Confidence: For Celtic fans and players, the video will serve as a reaffirmation of their club’s superiority and their manager’s winning mentality.
In conclusion, a simple, seemingly off-the-cuff remark from Brendan Rodgers, captured in a documentary, has managed to pour gasoline on the already blazing fire of the Old Firm rivalry. In the highly charged atmosphere of Scottish football, where every word is weighed and every action scrutinized, Rodgers’ perceived mockery of Rangers serves as a powerful reminder that the animosity between these two clubs runs deeper than mere points on a league table. It’s about pride, history, and the relentless pursuit of supremacy, and this new video has ensured that the next chapter of this fierce rivalry will be even more explosive.
