AliousFerguson Demands a Battle-Ready Rangers After Last Celtic Park Collapse
Barry Ferguson is determined to ensure Rangers don’t suffer another meek surrender when they return to Celtic Park this weekend. The interim boss, who watched in frustration as his side was brushed aside 3-0 on their last visit, is preparing his team for a much tougher approach in a bid to end their eight-game winless run at their rivals’ ground.
Having witnessed that previous defeat from the stands in his role as a club ambassador, Ferguson was dismayed by how easily Rangers were outplayed. Now in the dugout, he has vowed his team will be far more resilient.
“Last time, it was just too easy for Celtic,”* he admitted. *“You can’t always play great football, but when you’re not at your best, you have to make life difficult for your opponent. That’s something we’re working on improving.”
Ferguson has been drilling this mentality into his squad, ensuring they understand that success in fixtures like the Old Firm derby isn’t just about skill—it’s about grit, determination, and doing the dirty work when necessary.
“Football isn’t just about playing attractive stuff,”* he added. *“Sometimes, you have to roll your sleeves up and battle. That’s what we need to do more of, and I’ve seen enough in my short time here to believe this squad is starting to take that on board.”
Rangers Must Embrace the Challenge at Celtic Park
Ferguson knows all about the intensity of these encounters, having played in 40 Old Firm derbies during his trophy-laden career. While he acknowledges the difficulty of playing at Celtic Park, he believes these are the moments players and managers should thrive on.
> *“It’s a tough place to go. The fans are on top of you, and it’s hostile,”* he said. *“But if you want to succeed in football, these are the occasions you have to embrace. That’s the mindset we need.”*
Despite Rodgers’ dominant record in Old Firm clashes—losing just two of 21—Ferguson insists this game isn’t about a personal battle between managers but rather Rangers as a team stepping up to the challenge.
> *“It’s not about me,”* he stressed. *“Brendan is a top manager, but this is about us as a group. Celtic have been dominant at home, but we have to find a way to change that.”*
Rangers showed they could compete in the last two meetings, losing the League Cup final only on penalties after a thrilling 3-3 draw before securing a commanding 3-0 victory over Celtic at Ibrox in January.
> *“Those performances were much better,”* Ferguson noted. *“I was at both games, and tactically, we got a lot right. I know people want to know what system I’ll use this time, but there are still a few positions up for grabs. One thing is certain, though—we’ll be competitive.”*
No Excuses After Europa League Marathon
Ferguson refuses to allow the demands of Thursday night’s grueling Europa League triumph over Fenerbahce—where Rangers played 120 minutes before winning on penalties—to be used as an excuse for a poor display against Celtic.
> *“There will be no excuses,”* he insisted. *“If any player tells me they’re tired, they won’t play. It’s that simple. These are top-level athletes who are well looked after. They know what’s at stake.”*
With his squad desperate to impress, Ferguson welcomes the selection headache that comes with having 24 fit and available players.
> *“I want them all pushing for a place,”* he said. *“It’s up to them to make my job difficult.”*
As Rangers prepare to step into the cauldron of Celtic Park, Ferguson has made his expectations crystal clear—this time, his team will fight to the very last whistle.
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