Brendan Rodgers has earned back the love and trust of Celtic fans this season after initially returning to Parkhead under a cloud. The Northern Irishman left the club in the lurch in February 2019 to take over at Leicester City and many fans considered him a traitor when he returned at the beginning of the season.
However, after delivering yet another league title to Parkhead this season following a tense title race with Rangers, Rodgers is back on side with the majority of Celtic fans as demonstrated by the scenes at the club's home after they beat Kilmarnock to wrap up the title week ago.
Celtic's season isn't over yet, though, and they have their biggest match of the season to come on Saturday at Hampden Park. They are set to face Rangers in the Scottish Cup final in what will be the first Old Firm Scottish Cup final in 22 years, adding further fuel to the occasion.
Celtic have lost the last two old firm Scottish Cup finals with their last win over Rangers in the final of this competition coming way back in 1989. If Rodgers can lead the Hoops to a win on Saturday, then it would arguably be considered a bigger achievement than the seven consecutive trophies he won during his first stint with the club.
Rodgers' main motivation is the Celtic fans
Speaking ahead of the crunch match at Hampden Park, Rodgers will have pleased Celtic fans further with his comments about his motivations for the match. For him, the pleasure that the win and the double would give the Green Brigade matters more than anything. He told reporters:
“For me personally, the satisfaction of winning the double would suffice, but it's more about what you give other people. It's everything for the supporters as they live their life for Celtic, especially in a Celtic v Rangers game. To be able to deliver that for them would be great.
The Celtic fans belting out one of their anthems, I'm sure they'll be there as they always are, roaring on the side on Saturday. #COYBIG pic.twitter.com/mDhQKDIipw
— Lisbon Lion (@tirnaog_09) May 23, 2024
“For the players, it would be a reward for their discipline this season. Discipline is one of the key elements of not just the football on the pitch, but off the pitch. We stay focused and true to our game and the players have got the rewards as the season has gone on. For me, it would add another trophy but it's always been about the satisfaction other people will get.”
Fans on the opposite side of Hampden Park will be just as desperate to win as Celtic fans which sets us up for a thrilling Cup final on Saturday afternoon.