Rangers slam kick-off time, Celtic explanation, ‘bullied’ Aberdeen, Hibs loan cut short – football news.
Get the latest from the pre-match news conferences before of the weekend’s Premier League action.
Managers and players have been speaking to the press ahead of the weekend’s game, and here’s what they’ve said:
Rangers are upset with Benfica’s kick-off timing.
Rangers have been drawn in the last 16 of the Europa League against Benfica. However, the home leg on March 14 will start at 5.45pm, something the Ibrox club does not like. Rangers had hoped for a typical 8pm start time for the second leg against the Portuguese cracks, but feel the situation is beyond their control.
Rangers, on behalf of our supporters, are unhappy to learn that our Round of 16 Europa League home encounter against Benfica on Thursday, March 14, will start at 17:45. Despite a strong argument being made to UEFA for the fixture to begin at the regular 20:00 slot, it will instead begin much earlier, owing to broadcaster commitments, and will most likely cause major inconvenience and disturbance to our fans. The club heartily sympathises with our dedicated supporters for any further sacrifices they may have to make in order to attend the match, as this matter is completely beyond our control.”
Hart discusses his retirement.
Celtic goalkeeper Joe Hart has revealed his decision to retire at the end of the season. Hart stated, “I have loved every moment of being here, for myself and my family; it has been everything and more than I could have hoped for, and I will be forever proud to have represented this club.
” The most satisfying thing for me is that many of the people here respect the fact that I have come and given my all. Whether it’s positive, negative, or indifferent. I’m sure there were instances when people wanted me in and out, but that’s the life of a goalie. But, eventually, you are respected as a person and welcomed into a very exclusive group. I’ll be 37 at the end of this season. I wasn’t sure what route the club wanted to take and whether I fit in with it. We did not even have that talk. I was not interested in going anyplace else to play.”
Peter Lawwell addresses Celtic fans’ discontent over the transfer window as club revenue reaches £85 million.
Warnock instructs Dons to stand up to Killie
Aberdeen manager Neil Warnock has told his players to face Kilmarnock after seeing footage of them being “bullied” on their previous visit to Rugby Park. This season, the Dons have lost twice to former boss Derek McInnes’ side, including a 2-0 setback on Ayrshire’s artificial pitch in October. Warnock stated: “Obviously, I saw our last game (against Kilmarnock), and one or two people mentioned how bad we were. I just hope we can give a better account of ourselves. I don’t want to go down there and raise the white flag because our supporters will arrive in large numbers.”
Naismith takes heart from recent Glasgow excursions.
Hearts head coach Steven Naismith will rely on his players’ recent performances in Glasgow as he strives for the strong mentality required to stun Rangers. Rangers topped the table last weekend, but Hearts have outperformed them over the last ten league games, collecting 28 points to their hosts’ 27.
That streak began with a 2-0 victory at Celtic Park, and former Kilmarnock, Rangers, and Hearts forward Naismith will draw on that experience as his team seeks a ninth consecutive win in all competitions. “It helps but I think it’s part of the progression we have had,” he went on to say.
“In my playing days here, we rarely went to Celtic Park or Ibrox and came away with a win, and you probably went into games not knowing whether you would. So far, we’ve been successful in changing that. We finished 2-2 at Ibrox last season, won at Celtic Park last year, and came close at Ibrox this season. So we’re dealing with the issue and the occasion much better. So we rely on all of it.
Hibs loanee Bevan returns to Cherries
Owen Bevan’s loan with Hibernian has been terminated owing to injury. The 20-year-old defender arrived from Bournemouth last month but is yet to make an appearance, with the Welshman currently undergoing rehabilitation at the English Premier League club. “We can confirm that Owen Bevan has returned to AFC Bournemouth following a further injury,” a statement released by Hibs said. “The youthful centre-half joined Hibs on loan on Deadline Day, with the intention of joining Nick Montgomery’s First Team team on Monday, February 5, 2024. Unfortunately, Owen suffered an injury setback during his rehabilitation regimen, therefore he will remain with the Cherries until the end of the 2023/24 season. Everyone at Hibernian FC wishes Owen all the best in his recovery.”
Robinson is not sorry for being impassioned after the spat with the St Mirren fan.
Stephen Robinson will not apologize for being “passionate” about St Mirren after last week’s altercation with a fan was resolved.
Following Livingston’s 1-0 Premiership defeat in West Lothian, the Buddies manager got into a heated argument with one of his own fans. Robinson, who celebrated two years in command of the Paisley club this week, refused to acknowledge that the spat sprang from a fan questioning the players’ hearts, as suggested by assistant Diarmuid O’Carroll following the game. However, before Saturday’s home game against St Johnstone, he commented on the event, saying: “A frustrated manager and a frustrated fan. I’ve chatted with the fan since.
There is no problem whatsoever. We want the same thing. I didn’t agree with his analysis of the game. I am very protective of my players, much like I am of my children, sometimes overly protective. But that is my job: to relieve them of the load. Every week, I receive various forms of criticism, some more harsh than others, but this was not the case on Saturday.
It was someone expressing an opinion that I disagreed with. He reached out to me and apologized, which was welcomed. It was just two frustrated folks. We’ve spoken several times. He is a nice person and a huge St Mirren fan, and he will be there on Saturday. I refuse to apologize for being passionate and emotional. I am an emotional person, and I have put a lot of effort into this football club.
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