Celtic captain Callum McGregor has reiterated his team's intense focus and desire to emerge victorious in the upcoming Old Firm derby, despite their impressive dominance over Rangers in recent years. The match, scheduled for Thursday, is yet another crucial opportunity for Celtic to solidify their strong position at the top of the Scottish Premiership, with Brendan Rodgers' side currently holding a commanding 14-point lead over second-placed Rangers. McGregor, however, emphasized that the Old Firm rivalry, with all its passion and history, remains as fierce as ever, regardless of the current form or standings.
Celtic’s recent dominance over Rangers has been remarkable, with the Hoops securing victory in six of the last seven meetings between the two clubs. Their lone defeat to Rangers in the last 14 encounters came after Celtic had already clinched the league title in 2023. In 2024, Celtic has added to their success by defeating Rangers in both major domestic cup finals, including a dramatic Scottish League Cup final in December, which saw Celtic triumph 5-4 in a penalty shootout after a thrilling 3-3 draw. Despite this strong run, McGregor made it clear that Celtic's mindset remains unchanged. "We want to win every game, especially when the big ones come around," McGregor said. "That's where you're judged."
For McGregor and his teammates, these high-stakes fixtures are not just about the points, but about proving their quality and capability in one of football’s most fiercely contested rivalries. McGregor stressed the importance of performing in such critical moments, as it is during these games that players are truly evaluated. He consistently reminds his teammates to approach these encounters with the right mentality and to view success in these big matches as a fundamental part of their identity as a team.
Looking ahead to Thursday’s game, McGregor is optimistic about Celtic's form, with the team having scored a remarkable eight goals in their last two outings. Additionally, the Hoops are on an 18-match unbeaten streak in all competitions, a testament to their consistency and resilience. McGregor noted the positive momentum and the team's collective drive to continue improving. "Every day is an opportunity to get better," he said, pointing to their strong 2024 campaign and the hopeful outlook for 2025, starting with the January 2nd fixture.
In terms of team strategy, McGregor emphasized that the key to their success lies in consistency. "Generally, the way that we want to play is the same every week, and we just add layers all the time," he explained. The captain highlighted that Celtic’s tactical focus remains on refining their approach week in, week out, without deviating from their core principles. For Thursday’s derby, McGregor mentioned the importance of identifying effective combinations to exploit Rangers’ midfield block, ensuring that Celtic continues to evolve their play as they adapt to the challenges presented by their rivals.
As Celtic prepare for this high-pressure encounter, McGregor's leadership and focus on maintaining consistent performances each week will be vital. The upcoming Old Firm clash is not just another game in the season; it’s an opportunity for Celtic to demonstrate their continued dominance, push further ahead in the Premiership title race, and show that their mentality remains sharp and focused on winning when it matters most. For McGregor, this match—and every one of the Old Firm derbies—remains a chance to prove that Celtic are the team to beat in Scottish football.
