Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers admits that it is always difficult for players to maintain a certain level of football during derbies, but he wants his men to keep their focus for this Saturday’s Old Firm derby.
Scotland and the football world are preparing for the first Old Firm derby in the Scottish top tier in four years this Saturday, when Rangers travel to Parkhead to take on Celtic.
The Bhoys have been the big boys of Scottish football over the last few years, but Rangers are keen to reestablish themselves as one of the dominant forces north of the border this season.
And there has already been a bit of banter back and forth between players from both the camps ahead of the derby, but Rodgers wants Celtic to keep doing the right things to maintain their focus.
However, he also admits that no matter what is said the players do feel the pressure of playing in a derby, which subsequently affects the game.
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Rodgers told Celtic TV: “No matter what you say to the players, the whole intensity, the whole occasion can sometimes make it difficult for football.
“But our idea is to go to the game with the positivity that we have had, with the boldness that we have in our game, the approach to the game.
“And obviously look to get three points, which will keep us on our path.”
Celtic will be looking for a win over their age old rivals in order to maintain their stranglehold at the top of the Scottish Premiership.
