Rodgers responds to the usual insulting questions from the media with the same answer he always gives.

Yesterday, in the pre-match press conference, Brendan Rodgers was asked a question that only Brendan Rodgers would ever be asked: what he hopes the result will be in the game between Aberdeen and the Ibrox club.

Rodgers responded, as he does so well, by turning back to Celtic's own ambitions and saying it made no difference to him at all. “We just focus on ourselves.”

Do you think Philippe Clement asked that question when Aberdeen came to Celtic Park recently? Do you think he was asked who he thought would win the game – a game that is completely irrelevant to his own team?

Rodgers is the only manager who consistently engages in this kind of nonsense, and each time he calmly reminds everyone that all he cares about is Celtic's performance. That's all he can control.

This focus is crucial. It's the kind of determination a club shows when it comes to winning in these circumstances. Celtic have been successful precisely because we don't focus on other teams. Fans are welcome to express their opinions on other games, but Rodgers doesn't let his team think about it, nor does he get involved in it himself.

Yes, the game at Pittodrie is attracting a lot of attention, but let's not kid ourselves. We know that the only game that really matters in terms of the title race is the game at Celtic Park. Celtic benefit regardless of the result in the north of Scotland – whether Aberdeen wins, the Ibrox club wins or whether it's a draw. However, these benefits only arise when we run our own business.

Clement wasn't asked the same question – and his team still lost focus.

However, Rodgers made sure the reporters in the room were reminded of what was really at stake. “Of course it's a big game between second and third place,” he said with a touch of humor.

“We’re only ten games in,” he continued. “I know that the preparation for the title starts a little later every year, but there are so many challenges to overcome during the season. So the result can be anything. For us it's about focusing on getting three points against Dundee, playing our football and entertaining our fans. Because ultimately it is what we can control.

“You can only look after yourself and I am so happy with how our team played, performed and worked. If we pay attention or think about something else, it could affect our performance.”

This is perfect message discipline and professionalism in every respect. It shows exactly why Rodgers is so good at what he does.

This message not only protects players from pressure; It reassures fans that the team is only focused on the next game. It's the confidence in drive – the belief that Celtic can overcome any challenge without having to worry about an early gap or anything else. When the business end of the season approaches and the real issues are at stake, Celtic will be ready.

Whether tomorrow's result puts us three or two points ahead or even level with Aberdeen, when the time comes to pull away we will do it. And we will do it.

Of course, I'm sure everyone at Celtic Park will be keeping an eye on what's happening at Pittodrie and it's likely that Rodgers will receive updates throughout our game, with the players possibly checking in at half-time. But once they're on the field, they'll be fully focused. Only when the work is done do they turn their attention to what is happening elsewhere.

Rodgers is likely upset to be asked that question again, especially because it highlights the media's obsession with sideshows. He was asked variations of this question over and over again and he always answered the same way. Knowing this, it was no surprise what his answer would be. And if the media continues to ask this pointless question after all this time, then they will probably ask it forever. And forever Rodgers will give the same answer.

Honestly, it's no wonder he's tired of these people. It's no wonder he often treats her with barely concealed contempt – if he even bothers to hide it.