Greg Taylor says that Ange Postecoglou has been “massive” on stressing the importance of Celtic pressing from the front.
Taylor has had to learn a lot this season, just like his teammates. There’s particular emphasis on the full-backs, however, who are playing an inverted role and occupying both inner and outer spaces. To do that successfully though, Ange Postecoglou has made it clear that pressing from the front has to be a major emphasis, winning the ball back high up the pitch.
In a press conference today, Taylor was at his insightful best. And when asked about playing his role, and the tactical responsibilities at Celtic, his eyes lit up.
Taylor said of Ange’s pressing message [Celtic FC]: “The gaffer has been massive on that since he came in, that our press starts with our striker, our wingers.
“And I think, to be fair to the lads who have played there every game, they’ve done that. Which definitely helps us [defenders]. Going the other way, the build-up starts with the defenders and the goalkeeper. For attacking, it’s important on us to do that, to give attacking players their chances.
“We all work in one. There’s a reason behind it.”
Greg Taylor comments are no surprise: under Ange, everyone at Celtic is learning a huge amount
Again, Greg Taylor seems particularly engaged when he’s talking tactics, shape and position. There’s likely a coaching path for him, way off into the future.
We sometimes forget how young he is. At just 24, he’s won silverware with Celtic, is a Scotland international, and played a very different way at Kilmarnock. He’s learned various methods, various ways of playing. Ange’s ideology at Celtic is just the latest in quick succession.
It’s yielded the most enthusiasm from supporters, though. Taylor, though a touch inconsistent, has had excellent games either overlapping Jota, or cutting inside to give an extra option going forward. In defence, the job is slightly easier with such eager attacking players trying to get the ball back quickly.
When they do that, Taylor and the defence can reset, and join in attacks. It stands to reason why Ange Postecoglou would be so emphatic.
He consistently has to be, though. He is, after all, the “reason” Taylor is hinting at, and really driving home the responsibilities of each player is paramount for the system to work.
Livingston offer a different kind of test, but Celtic and Ange will be determined to make them play our game, and not the other way round.
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