Rodgers Affirms Celtic’s Success Is ‘Earned’

Brendan Rodgers, Celtic’s manager, is on the verge of securing an additional trophy. The upcoming Premier Sports Cup final will feature Celtic against Rangers at Hampden Park in Glasgow on Sunday, 15 December, with a kick-off time of 15:30 GMT. Coverage will be available via BBC Radio Scotland & BBC Sounds, along with live text commentary on the BBC Sport website & app. Brendan Rodgers stated that Celtic has developed through an “organically grown” process, emphasizing that their achievements and standing have “all been earned.” The Glasgow club seeks to claim its 119th major domestic honor when it competes against current title holders and city rivals Rangers in Sunday’s Scottish League Cup final. Rodgers’ remarks followed a query regarding Rangers manager Philippe Clement’s recent assertion that the Ibrox team was at a disadvantage due to the financial disparities between the two clubs. According to their latest financial reports, Celtic reported a profit of £13.4m from revenues totaling £124.6m. In contrast, Rangers’ corresponding figures showed a loss of £17.2m against revenues of £88.3m. “This is a club that’s been organically grown,” commented Rodgers, who stands to secure his 10th trophy as Celtic manager. He added, “We haven’t been handed money. This is something that’s been grown. That has allowed us to win and, when you win, that brings more success.” He concluded, “For us, that is all I’m interested in. The club is in a brilliant position, but it’s all been earned.” Rodgers, currently in his second tenure as Celtic’s head coach, guided his team to a Scottish Premiership and Scottish Cup double in the previous season. They currently hold a nine-point lead at the top of the league standings after 15 matches. Furthermore, Celtic is in a strong position to advance in the Champions League, having accumulated nine points from six games. Regarding his collection of honors, the Northern Irishman stated, “I look back on that once I’m done.” He continued, “It doesn’t really count for much in my own feeling. “Just because you’ve won doesn’t mean you can turn up and not prepare. It’s a final, so you don’t expect everything to go your way, so it’s about preparing for and expecting that.” Rodgers added, “It’s the first trophy of the season, we’ve had a brilliant season up until now and this will be a great way to have something tangible to show for that.” He concluded by saying, “I don’t think it’s a statement. We’ve got other competitions that we’re in and we’re doing very well in so want to continue with that. It’s our next game and we want to win our next game.”