Celtic have given Rangers the runaround for the most part over the past countless years.
Brendan Rodgers’ record in the derby is second to none and the Celtic boss will be demanding another victory on derby day when it rolls around on Sunday.
Very few Gers managers have gotten the better of the Irishman so the chances of an interim head coach doing so, especially at Celtic Park, is slim. But that’s the prospect facing the Light Blues with Barry Ferguson currently at the helm as they search for a new permanent leader following Philippe Clement’s sacking.
Ferguson has been in charge for three matches so far and has won two of them. Congratulations, Barry. The other result was an embarrassing 2-1 defeat at home to St Mirren in the Scottish Premiership.
That doesn’t exactly bode well for when they travel across the city, but the former Alloa Athletic and Kelty Hearts manager will be in defiant mood as he usually is when it’s Celtic next on the Rangers calendar.
What Barry Ferguson said in 2024 about Rangers vs Celtic gap
Defiance is one thing, though, and pragmatism is another. The true reality of the situation.
Celts hold a significant 16-point lead at the top of the Premiership table and Brendan Rodgers’ side have the advantage in the head to head table, at least in recent times.
And that has what has hurt Ferguson himself in previous seasons.
Even as recently as December of 2024, the Ibrox interim head coach was completely deflated ahead of the New Year’s derby contest which actually ended in a Rangers victory where Celts were well off it.
Ferguson said at the time: “Born and raised as a Rangers fan, I will never concede defeat to anyone until it is signed and sealed. But things are looking bleak on the Premiership title race front.
“There was a huge incentive to get through this week’s trips to St Mirren and Fir Park unscathed. If they could win both of those it would have set Rangers up with the chance to run out in front of 50,000 home fans in the Ne’er Day game and look to slash the gap back to six points.
“If they had managed that, then you really could have said the title race was back on.
“But we’re a long way off that now. Even a victory over Rodgers’ team when they visit Ibrox next week is unlikely to panic Celtic too much.”
Celtic’s recent head to head record vs Rangers
Rangers 3-0 Celtic – January 2, 2025
Celtic 3-3 Rangers (8-7 pen) – December 15, 2024
Celtic 3-0 Rangers – September 1, 2024
Celtic 1-0 Rangers – May 25, 2024
Celtic 2-1 Rangers – May 11, 2024
Rangers 3-3 Celtic – April 7, 2024
Ferguson will now have to take the discussion inside the Celtic Park changing room with his players and attempt to get them up for the derby.
Oh to be a fly on the wall for that one. You can assume what will be said by the 47-year-old. The chest thumping.
But everyone knows the coach’s real thoughts on the gap between the two squads even if he won’t want to dwell on it this weekend when they go head to head.
The Hoops are roaring at the moment and Celtic have an advantage heading into the clash at Parkhead.
So Ferguson will have to rely on his shattered players attempting to do what they have not managed in more than 10 efforts which is pick up three points at Celtic Park.
