Celtic, led by Ronny Deila, were knocked out of the competition by Mark Warburton’s Glasgow Rangers side.
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers
Brendan Rodgers has explained to the Daily Express that he felt that Rangers deserved to win last season’s Scottish Cup semi-final against Celtic ahead of the first Old Firm meeting of the campaign.
The Hoops – at the time, managed by Ronny Deila – went into the game as overwhelming favourites as they sat at the top of the Scottish Premiership while Mark Warburton’s men were closing in on promotion in the division below.
Rangers players celebrate winning the penalty shootout
However, it was the Light Blues that went through after an enthralling game went all the way to a penalty shootout. And Rodgers – who replaced the Norwegian at Parkhead in the summer – has conceded that the right team booked their place in the final.
“Last time out Rangers were better, for me. Played better, better idea of what they were doing. That’s no disrespect to anyone, it’s my outside view on it,” he told the Express.
Rangers manager Mark Warburton
“I know Rangers went through on penalties, but they were the better team over the course of the game.”
While the Northern Irishman’s assessment of the game is arguably very accurate, his decision to publicly offer his opinion may simply be a tactic.
Celtic were perhaps guilty of taking their opponents too lightly at Hampden Park, and appeared to be taken by surprise by how quickly the Gers flew out of the blocks.
And with many of that Hoops squad still at the club following Rodgers’ arrival, his opinion that they were outplayed may be designed to remind his team that they cannot afford to go into the upcoming game with any complacency as they could be punished once again.
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