Being a skilled manager, Brendan Rodgers knows that a victory over Motherwell this Saturday can swiftly alter the tone. Paul Hartley believes that their matchup at Fir Park this coming Saturday has the potential to change the momentum for the title, just as it did for HIS Celtic squad back in 2008. With seven points behind Rangers going into the final seven games of the season, the former Hoops midfielder was a part of Gordon Strachan’s team that rallied to win the title and set the stage for a memorable season finale at Fir Park by defeating Motherwell 4-1.
Rodgers leads his squad there this weekend, and while his club’s circumstances aren’t nearly as dire on Sunday—should Rangers defeat Hearts on Saturday, they will be attempting to close the deficit to two points—he still needs a comparable outcome. Hartley recalls that Strachan faced a similar circumstance and bounced back to win the league, despite the fact that fans are starting to turn against the Irishman.
Rodgers leads his squad there this weekend, and while his club’s circumstances aren’t nearly as dire on Sunday—should Rangers defeat Hearts on Saturday, they will be attempting to close the deficit to two points—he still needs a comparable outcome. Hartley recalls that Strachan faced a similar circumstance and bounced back to win the league, despite the fact that fans are starting to turn against the Irishman.
“I remember the build-up to that Fir Park game clearly because the supporters were really unhappy,” he said to the Scottish Sun. The previous Saturday, we had lost at Celtic Park to Motherwell, and some supporters were demanding that Gordon be fired.
“I recall that most on the outside believed the Rangers would win the title, and we were jeered off. We had played one more game and were seven points behind them by the time we got to Fir Park. We were unable to lose any more ground.
“Celtic’s current circumstances and their upcoming return to Fir Park this weekend have similarities. Even though there is still a lot of football to be played, they risk falling behind Rangers by five points by Sunday. As a result, they simply cannot afford to lose any more ground. In 2008, we had to triumph at Fir Park, and Celtic will have to do the same this Saturday.
“Although every club and manager would prefer both, Brendan Rodgers just cares about the outcome. In 2008, I never believed our chances of winning the championship were lost, and this season, I don’t think they are either.”
Punters don’t rank Rodgers as their number one public enemy; that distinction is reserved for those further up the ladder, but many are starting to wonder if it was the right decision to bring him back. Hartley believes he won’t be flapping just yet, though. It is all up to Celtic to win on Sunday and the two derbies they still have against Rangers.
Hartley continued, “Rangers are playing well and have momentum, but nobody should write this Celtic team off.” Although they haven’t performed as well lately, things can change very rapidly at the top of the table. One goal, one win or loss, and the momentum shifts all of a sudden.
“Celtic still has to play Rangers twice, and they have a great record against them. Even though there will be surprises along the way, they must leave Fir Park on Sunday with three points, if only to somewhat alter the atmosphere.
Brendan will remain calm. He is an extremely skilled manager. Following last Saturday’s match against Kilmarnock, he was candid in admitting that Celtic didn’t deliver the kind of performance he had hoped for or desired. But he is the perfect guy to get things back to normal since he has quality players.
“Brendan will remain composed and unambiguous. He has achieved great success in his career. Gordon remained consistent in 2008, simplifying things to a great extent. We were aware that winning would need constant fighting. Playing together in midfield against Motherwell, Barry Robson and I had a good game.
“That game, which we won 4-1, was a true turning point for us. Not too long after, we had to play Rangers twice, and we won both games. We gained the upper hand in the title race all of a sudden, and we never looked back. Brendan is aware that Celtic needs to improve going forward, but the season is still early.
