Celtic told Brendan Rodgers has taken something from Ange Postecoglou that was previously ‘missing’

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Ange Postecoglou is making the headlines for the wrong reasons at Tottenham right now, but he is very much loved at Celtic.

Tottenham let a 2-0 lead slip to lose 4-3 against London rivals Chelsea on Sunday and Postecoglou looked like a broken man on the sidelines.

During his days at Celtic, he was far happier and why wouldn’t he be? Because he brought back the winning feeling, the entertaining style, and most importantly, the trophies.

In previous years, Celtic were used to Brendan Rodgers’ dominance in Glasgow, including winning the domestic Treble and wiping everything before them.

The Bhoys played this possession-based style that resulted in them suffocating the life out of everyone, including winning countless games against Rangers.

But then Postecoglou came onto the scene, after that disastrous season under Neil Lennon, and he had a lot of picking up to do.

The 59-year-old did it in style as Celtic played with a much higher intensity, the fullbacks coming in and playing as tens. Very different to what Rodgers delivered and many felt it was better.

Celtic’s style of play under Brendan Rodgers compared to Ange Postecoglou

It’s interesting that this is now a topic of discussion because of what is going on at Tottenham right now and this demand for Postecoglou to change his attacking ways.

Over in Scotland, Celtic are flying again under Rodgers and many believe this is now the best the team has played for a very long time.

Pat Bonner thinks a reason behind that is because the man in the dugout has brought in that ‘mix’ of his style and Postecoglou’s.

The legendary keeper highlighted how Rodgers has taken that ‘intensity’ which Ange used to play with and married it with his passing style, as he told BBC Radio Scotland.

“This mix of the way he (Rodgers) wanted to play and initially when he came in before, he played a very passing style game and very attractive to the eye,” said Bonner.

“Then suddenly, Ange brought it to another level with the high intensity and with good technical players. I think Rodgers has got that mix bang on now – they have some good, good technical players now. Every single player. Even players at the back – all can play and join in. The goalkeeper, I think there has been an improvement in building up the game. They can trust him and go back to him.

“They are also playing with that intensity that was missing, at times, under Brendan Rodgers. We didn’t see it in the past. I think he has it now. That has probably come from Ange Postecoglou’s teams and even the staff who were around Postecoglou. I wouldn’t tell Brendan what to do and how he should adapt. I think they would have an influence when they sit down to discuss the analysis and tactics of the team. That has maybe rubbed off on how the fans also want to see the team play.”

What Postecoglou said about Rodgers

Celtic fans have seen dominance in Scotland before, it just feels like it has gone to another level now, especially with the squad depth.

The quality of players the champions have to pick from is as strong as it has ever been and is another reason behind the club’s unbeaten start.

But you can also add to that Celtic’s Champions League run so far, once again, there is real hope and belief that a top-eight finish can be secured.

But this is something Postecoglou expected and predicted when Rodgers returned to the club last summer, as he told Football London in July 2023.

“I know Celtic have appointed Brendan Rodgers, who is an outstanding manager and they will continue to have success,” said Postecoglou.

“They have great players, great infrastructure, it is a great football club. I was very fortunate to be allowed that responsibility for a couple of years.”