Celtic supervisor Brendan Rodgers hit again at critics who he accused of treating him “like a novice” as he hailed the mentality of his crew following a season-defining victory over Rangers.
A 2-1 Parkhead triumph moved Celtic six factors and 7 targets away from their rivals with two cinch Premiership matches left.
The champions had misplaced a seven-point lead over Rangers earlier within the season, however have now moved inside some extent of glory forward of Wednesday’s journey to Kilmarnock, reside on Sky Sports activities.
By his personal admission, Rodgers has had a difficult first season again at Celtic Park, having returned to the job 5 years on from departing following a trophy-laden spell, with accidents to key gamers similar to Cameron Carter-Vickers, Reo Hatate, Callum McGregor and Daizen Maeda affecting performances.
The low level was back-to-back league defeats by Hearts and Kilmarnock in December, which prompted former Celtic striker Chris Sutton to argue that Rodgers was “going through the motions”.
‘I’ve been handled like a novice’
“From a professional perspective there will be doubt,” the 51-year-old mentioned after his thirteenth victory in 17 video games towards Rangers.
“From a private perspective, I’m stunned in a approach the place I heard any person saying ‘Brendan Rodgers was going by way of the motions’ earlier within the season.
“Now, I get to work between half seven and eight o’clock every day of my life. I leave the training ground between half six and seven o’clock at night. And then when I get home, I have my dinner and probably flip on the computer and watch more football.
“Now, if that is going by way of the motions, I wish to know what each different supervisor is doing.
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All of our pundits thought John Lundstram deserved a purple for his rash problem aside from Kenny Miller, who continued to argue his nook!
“So, from a personal level, I have been treated like a novice since I’ve come back here. Like it’s my first job.
“Nonetheless, my precept goal is to verify Celtic win. A part of that is part of the criticism and I perceive that.
“But it’s the mentality of the team that is most important to me, and that mentality you can see from where we were, with injuries, how we progressed, how we stayed unified and together, and how we then get to this point where we are nearly crossing the finishing line.
“And we do not simply wish to cross it, we wish to dash over it. We’ve got two video games to go, plus a ultimate, and that’s our mentality.”
‘It is an awesome day for the supporters’
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Celtic supervisor Brendan Rodgers was sad together with his crew’s focus within the Outdated Agency regardless of their win over Rangers
Celtic began the stronger aspect and had extra possibilities in an open encounter earlier than Matt O’Riley sparked a manic finale to the primary half by driving house the opener.
Rangers midfielder John Lundstram quickly put by way of his personal internet and was despatched off for a foul on Alistair Johnston after Cyriel Dessers had pulled a purpose again.
O’Riley noticed a second-half penalty saved by Jack Butland as Celtic struggled to see off the problem of the ten gamers earlier than a nervy finale.
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Matt O’Riley and James Forrest mirror on Celtic’s 2-1 win over Rangers within the Scottish Premiership
However the ultimate whistle sparked celebrations from the house supporters and the title might even be wrapped up on Tuesday, if Rangers fail to beat Dundee, reside on Sky Sports activities.
Rodgers mentioned: “It’s a massive win and a great day for the supporters. But we’ll recover and hopefully finish the job off on Wednesday.
“I used to be actually happy up till we missed the penalty. Our power, pace and tempo within the sport – in addition to the standard of our soccer – was superb.
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Celtic’s Callum McGregor admits his aspect are closing in on the title after their 2-1 win over Rangers within the Scottish Premiership
“At 11 vs 10, as we’ve been a few times this season, I don’t like it. We’re not good at it. There shouldn’t be that tension at the end of a game when you have so much control. That’s about being clinical.
“It was a scorching day and the gamers gave every part. However at 2-1, something can occur towards 10 or 9 males. There have been lengthy balls into the field however we stood as much as it magnificently.
“Come the end, it was a a great three points for us.”
What’s subsequent?
Celtic’s subsequent match is reside on Sky.
Celtic are away to Kilmarnock on Wednesday night time. Kick-off 7.30pm.
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