“We create our own benchmark and our own levels,” Rodgers ignores Ibrox noise | OneFootball

Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers insists the club will remain focused on themselves despite the usual noise from the other side of the city as his players return to pre-season next week…

Celtic Manager Brendan Rodgers applauds the fans at full-time. Celtic v Hibernian, Scottish Premiership, 10 May 2025 Photo Stuart Wallace/Shutterstock

The 52 year-old, entering his sixth season leading the club over two separate spells, is preparing to compete against theRangers’ new head coach, former player and previous manager of MK Dons, Swansea City, and Southampton, Russell Martin.

“We create our own benchmark and our own levels”

Although there is plenty of buzz coming from across the city, who look like they have won the pre-season excitement trophy again, Rodgers maintains that his team controls their own fate, while acknowledging the shifts happening with Celtic’s biggest competitors: “We create our own benchmark and our own levels,” Rodgers told Sky Sports.

“We have been doing that consistently now, but there is no doubt that competition makes you better in whatever sport it is or in the pursuit of anything that you are trying to achieve. If you have competition, then that narrows the focus.

“We always have to keep an eye on our rivals, in terms of what they do and players they bring in, as well as the systems they play and the tactics their managers use. Competition is always healthy for us, and for me, it is what really drives me up here.

“It is about making Celtic the best that we possibly can be”

“Ultimately, for me, it is about making Celtic the best that we possibly can be, and using all of the resources that we can to make us the best that we can, and keep delivering the football that the supporters want.”

Celtic begin their league campaign with a home match against St Mirren on Sunday, 3 August, followed by the opening Glasgow Derby at Ibrox on 31 August. The full list of fixtures are available via the official SPFL website.

Rodgers’ side will be coming off the back of a second leg Champions League qualifier in the build-up to facing theRangers at the end of August. The first international break of the season will follow that fixture.

Conor Spence

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