Brendan Rodgers has provided a bit of insight into his surprising Celtic formation change mid-match at home to Atletico Madrid in the UEFA Champions League.
The Bhoys started the game in their normal 4-3-3 shape, with two centre-backs on the pitch. However, midway through the second half, Rodgers brought on Nat Phillips for Luis Palma, switching to a 3-5-2.
It allowed Celtic to get a better foothold in the match after a strong opening to the second period for the Spaniards. But it’s not something we’ve seen often from the Bhoys. It could well be a viable tactic moving forward if needed.
Asked about the switch post-match, Rodgers told TNT Sports: “It was just something I had thought about before the game. I could see at that point in the game that our backline was getting stretched because Atletico Madrid move the ball side to side really well.
“I felt we were just starting to experience some fatigue in the game maybe just because the speed of the game is not what we are used to. Bringing him [Phillips] in and going to a 3-5-2 with the extra body up front helped us defend when they stretched the line.”
With two away matches in Rome and Madrid to immediately follow last night’s draw, it’ll be interesting to see if Rodgers employs this tactic again.
It could even be a decision he makes from kick-off, if he feels like the Bhoys will be too exploited against Atletico or Lazio on the road.
We at least know it’s an option now. The benefit of having so many central defenders if that Rodgers has trusted options to make changes like this in specific situations. That flexibility and willingness to make changes should be seen as a strength.
In other news, Diego Simeone delivers verdict on Celtic after fiery UEFA Champions League clash.
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