Celtic trail Rangers in the Scottish Premiership for the first time this season; Brendan Rodgers insists his side still in control of battle for top-spot; Old Firm meet at Ibrox on April 7 live on Sky Sports; Celtic's next game is at Motherwell on Sunday, live on Sky Sports
Sunday 25 February 2024 15:02, UK
Brendan Rodgers insists Celtic remain in control of their Scottish Premiership title defence - despite falling behind rivals Rangers.
A draw at home to Kilmarnock after a similar result at Aberdeen had seen their Old Firm rivals move two points clear for the first time this season. Rangers won 5-0 against Hearts on Saturday to extend their lead to five points.
However, ahead of Sunday's trip to Fir Park live on Sky Sports, Rodgers is remaining calm in the battle for Scotland's top spot.
"At this stage of the season the attitude and the mindset is key," he told Sky Sports News.
"We come off after a disappointing result against Kilmarnock, and there's no denying that, there's too many points that we've dropped.
"However, still, with 12 games to go, it's still in our hands where and how we finish the league, so we have to focus on that.
"When it is a title race, sometimes all 12 games can feel like it's in one game, you don't need to worry about that, you just prepare everyday to train well and the players have done that - they've been great.
"We've focused on aspects of the Kilmarnock game, where we can be better, and now go into this game.
"We cannot worry about Dundee or Hearts or the other games after that. Just one game at a time, stay focused on that, give your all and then see where it takes us."
Chris Sutton says Celtic have been "bang average" this season and Rodgers must take responsibility for their stagnation.
Sutton says the setback against Kilmarnock came as no surprise because Celtic have lost the "fear factor" and "teams fancy getting a result against them".
"Celtic have been bang average all season," said the Sky Sports pundit. "I know Brendan (Rodgers) in the week was talking about the recent form and winning eight of the last nine.
"The wins have papered over the cracks. Performances haven't been there. I don't think Celtic are kidding anyone - they aren't a good team this season.
"Everyone talks about the board and signings and this being a long time in the making, this particular moment. But Brendan Rodgers has to take responsibility.
"I can't think of one player this season at Celtic who he has improved and that's on the manager.
"You look at the points that Celtic have dropped domestically, forget the Champions League campaign, which was a disaster. If you just look at Celtic domestically in isolation they have been poor.
"I can't remember the last time a Celtic team were outplayed in halves of football by so many teams as they have been this season and that is on Brendan.
"You think about fast and furious under Ange Postecoglou. The brand of football is slow and predictable."
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