Rodgers Expects Highest Standards From Gerrard The Manager
Mohammad Ali (@ChaudhryMAli88) Published September 01, 2018 | 12:36 AM
Glasgow, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 31st Aug, 2018 ) :Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers oversaw the twilight of Steven Gerrard's legendary career as Liverpool captain, and expects Gerrard to set the same standards in his new role as Rangers boss.
Rodgers and Gerrard go head-to-head for the first time on Sunday when Rangers travel to Celtic Park looking to make an early-season statement against the side that have dominated Scottish football for the past seven years.
Gerrard's decision to take his first senior managerial steps in the Glasgow goldfish bowl of Old Firm rivalry was questioned when the former England captain penned a four-year deal in May.
But 12 games into his tenure, Gerrard is still to taste defeat and has guided Rangers to the group stages of European competition for the first time in eight years, in the Europa League.
"As a player, his standards were always very high and he'll look to take that into his managerial career," said Rodgers on Friday.
"They've brought in some good players, upped the level of their team and had some good results. It will be an interesting game and one to look forward to." Rodgers has enjoyed unparallelled levels of success in two seasons at Celtic, winning back-to-back domestic trebles and going unbeaten in Scottish football during his first season.
The Northern Irishman is yet to taste defeat in an Old Firm derby, winning nine and drawing two of his previous 11 encounters.
But just three months on from being thrashed 5-0 in their last visit to Celtic Park, there is far more encouragement for Rangers this time round due to contrasting fortunes on and off the field for both sides early in the campaign.
"For us it's just about staying calm and focused," added Rodgers.
"The last couple of years we've dominated the fixture. We aim to continue to, but it doesn't come to you. You have to work hard, show your qualities and these are amazing games to be involved in." - Dembele dismissed - One of Rodgers's key men looks like he won't be involved as French striker Moussa Dembele is at loggerheads with the club for rejecting a bid from Lyon on Thursday.
Dembele was dismissed from the training field by Rodgers on Friday for a half-hearted effort and could yet leave before the transfer window closes later Friday with Rodgers wary of creating a toxic environment.
"What's very important here is our own culture and environment," added Rodgers, who said it was "highly unlikely" Dembele will be involved on Sunday.
Rodgers has recalled Belgian international Dedryck Boyata for victories over Hamilton and Suduva after the centre-back refused to play as Celtic were eliminated from the Champions League qualifiers by AEK Athens earlier this month.
And he insisted the same route back is open to Dembele if his attitude improves.
"My job is always to protect the best interests of the club and the players that are here. I know how hard they work and the money is in their bank at the end of the month, so you have to work."
Related Topics
Recent Stories
Aiman Khan granted UAE Golden Visa
PSX achieves significant milestone, surpasses 72,000 mark
Pak Vs NZ T20I: Orphaned children extended special invitation to watch match
Finance Minister lauds UNDP’s unwavering support during floods
President Raisi leaves for Iran from Karachi
Currency Rate In Pakistan - Dollar, Euro, Pound, Riyal Rates On 24 April 2024
Today Gold Rate in Pakistan 24 April 2024
Punjab CM inaugurates Pakistan’s first Virtual Women Police Station
Dutch model Donny Roelvink embraces Islam
Experts raise concerns over introduction of 10-stick packs
Iranian president arrives in Karachi
Law Minister expresses Govt's resolve to address issue of missing persons
More Stories From World
-
Escaped army horses bolt through central London
27 minutes ago -
China to send fresh crew to Tiangong space station
27 minutes ago -
Critics fear Togo reforms leave little room for change in election
37 minutes ago -
Victims of China floods race to salvage property
37 minutes ago -
Blinken back in China seeking pressure but also stability
47 minutes ago -
'So hot you can't breathe': Extreme heat hits the Philippines
57 minutes ago
-
In Tajikistan, climate migrants flee threat of fatal landslides
57 minutes ago -
Football: Italian Cup result
1 hour ago -
Biden pledges swift weapons delivery to Ukraine
1 hour ago -
China announces new partners for International Lunar Research Station
2 hours ago -
Astronauts of China's Shenzhou-18 mission meet press
2 hours ago -
Partial power outage at Fukushima plant, water release suspended
2 hours ago