Rodgers Defends Engels, Valakari Plots Rangers Upset As Title Race Intensifies

Rodgers Defends Engels and St Johnstone Boss Eyes Rangers Upset

As Scottish Premiership fans gear up for a critical weekend of fixtures, the focus turns to Celtic and Rangers, with both clubs facing pivotal matches in their respective campaigns.

Celtic Eye Five-Point Lead

Celtic have a prime opportunity to extend their lead at the top of the table to five points after Aberdeen’s dramatic 3-3 draw with bottom-side Hibs. With a game in hand over Jimmy Thelin’s Aberdeen, the Hoops face Ross County, sitting eighth, and hope to continue their unbeaten league run this season.

Rangers Look to Maintain Momentum

Fresh off an impressive 4-1 away win against Nice in the Europa League, Rangers aim to replicate their European success domestically as they visit St Johnstone. Both Glasgow giants are under pressure, with Celtic seeking to solidify their title credentials and Rangers hoping to close the gap if their rivals falter.

Rodgers Urges Patience with Engels

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has responded to criticism of Arne Engels, the club’s £11m record signing, calling for patience as the young Belgian adjusts to life in Glasgow.

The 21-year-old, who joined from Bundesliga side Augsburg, started strongly but has seen a dip in form, leading some fans to suggest he should be dropped. Rodgers dismissed these calls, drawing comparisons to other players who took time to settle.

“Playing here is a challenge for anyone. The most recent example of that would be Paulo Bernardo,” Rodgers said via STV. “He was exactly the same if I remember back, highlighting his performances at this time last year, and now he is cheered on loudly whenever he enters the pitch.

“That’s called development, that’s called patience, and it’s all about time. Arne is a fantastic young player, otherwise we wouldn’t have brought him here.

“He doesn’t set the price; he’s come here to a big club to improve his game, and I have absolutely no doubt he will do that.”

Rodgers added that Engels’ three goals and three assists in 16 appearances demonstrate his potential. “I’ve been really pleased since he came in, because I know the future for him is that he will improve and develop. We have seen it so many times,” he said.

Valakari Seeks Rangers Repeat

St Johnstone manager Simo Valakari is drawing inspiration from his own history as his team prepares to face Rangers. Reflecting on his time as a player with Motherwell, Valakari recalled how his team upset Rangers in key matches, including a 2-0 victory in 1997 that deflated celebrations around Rangers’ nine-in-a-row title win.

“My last game for Motherwell in 2000 was against Rangers at Fir Park; we beat them 2-0,” Valakari told the Daily Record. “And my first game at Ibrox was a game three years earlier when Rangers had their first chance to secure the nine-in-a-row. We went there, and Owen Coyle scored twice for us to win 2-0, so all the balloons and everything went flat!”

Valakari acknowledged the weight of expectation on Rangers, comparing it to his experience managing Riga. “It’s not easy to play for Rangers or Celtic because they are expected to win every single game. If it’s half-time and it’s 0-0, then it’s panicking among the fans,” he explained.

As St Johnstone plot a potential upset, Valakari said his team will take cues from others who have beaten Rangers this season while crafting their own approach. “There are always opponents who are good and can make life difficult for you. Other teams have shown what is possible, though, and we will look at that. We can’t copy it exactly, but we can see what things they did and maybe focus on some of the good things,” he added.

This weekend’s matches could prove decisive in shaping the season, as both Celtic and Rangers push to seize momentum in the title race.

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