As some of you may know, in addition to Celtic, one of my other big passions is cinema. I love films, and one of my all-time favorites is Rocky.
When I awoke to the latest Scottish football news this morning, I thought of a quote from that legendary movie series.
Brendan KOs Another Contender
Apollo Creed, Rocky’s rival, then trainer, then best friend, boasts during his pre-fight presser: “I’ve retired more men than social security!”
If Celtic don’t get a t-shirt in stores with that quote alongside a picture of Brendan Rodgers this week, then it’s a massive marketing opportunity missed!
No More Post-Match Waffle
Yes, it is with a heavy heart that I read this morning that Phillipe Clement has left Rangers. No more will we be able to sit back and gleefully watch the Belgian waffle his way through one calamity after another.
Don’t be sad its over, be glad it happened, and you were there to witness it in all its comedic glory.
Of course, the usual nonsense has already started. Some Gers fans want Jurgen Klopp, others want Steven Gerrard back.
The truth is, they’ll get Barry Ferguson or Derek MacInnes, if they’re lucky.
Brendan's Celtic on a Different Level
Meanwhile, in Brendan Rodgers we have a manager who is truly elite level. The events of last midweek were hard to take, but they proved beyond doubt that Celtic, with the correct coaching and ongoing investment can compete in the UEFA Champions League.
Over at Ibrox, I imagine the crisis loan application is already on its way to the DSS.
A reminder, before they even bring in a new manager, they still have to agree a settlement with Clement, and he is one of 3 former managers still draining money from the club as contractual obligations remain to be fulfilled.
Changes Expected
As for Celtic, I expect Brendan Rodgers to make some tweaks to the team ahead of tomorrow night’s Aberdeen game. Sure, Rodgers has an ego, but that’s a side effect of success. He does not however, have the same blind, bloody-minded refusal to drop underperforming players that ultimately got Clement sacked.
Anyone suggesting that Rodgers be handed his jotters after the weekend loss to Hibs, would probably face the assumption that they’re talking about a winger from Portugal!
Confidence is Key
The fact remains, whatever his chosen starting line-up tomorrow, it really doesn’t matter. The Celtic fans know, and believe, that it’s only a matter of time until the league is won. We believe in this team and we believe in our manager.
When was the last time anyone across the city could honestly say that about their team?
Despite the constant attempts by the media to manufacture a rivalry, Celtic vs Rangers is nothing like the epic that was Apollo Creed vs Rocky Balboa.
These days, its more like a case of Ivan Drago vs Apollo Creed.