When Brendan Rodgers returned for a second spell at Celtic, a lot of the chat surrounding the appointment was about whether or not he would make any changes to the playing style and tactics we had been accustomed to under the previous manager.
But there have been notable changes at Celtic since the arrival of Rodgers. Hoops midfielder, Matt O’Riley previously commented about the different managerial style he has brought to the club and it seemed to cause some controversy as some news outlets took his comments as a slight on Rodgers’ predecessor.
However, O’Riley has defended the comments and said they have been taken out of context but did go on to say that whilst both managers’ styles are different, he believes that both will help him develop as a player.
O’Riley said [The Sun], “I don’t think I said anything bad about the previous manager! It was maybe blown out of proportion a little bit.
“It’s just different managerial styles. It’s strange how people jump on it like they do, but that’s football, especially when it’s pre-season and we need something to talk about.
“Under the previous manager I got so much better as a player. So I can’t say I didn’t like him at all because in my career he’s the one I’ve learnt most from.
“I am very grateful to have been able to work with him. In terms of their styles, yeah, it’s very different. I don’t think there is any right or wrong way.
“Brendan had previous success here, but Ange showed when he was here he had major success as well and obviously got himself a really good move from it.
“For me, to have different styles to work with early in my career will help me.”
The swashbuckling, full throttle and high press game we had witnessed over the last two years was very popular amongst the Celtic fans. And yes, at times it caused some hairy defensive moments, more notably in Europe, but it was successful.
As was Ange Postecoglou‘s approach to the players. It was well-documented that a hands-off approach was very much the order of the day, but it never affected the success the team had on the park.
But now, it seems that has all changed now with the arrival of Rodgers. The new manager prefers to get involved with the players both on and off the pitch and it is proving popular with the players.
He has brought a new playing style that, on first impressions, seems to be bringing out a new side to players like Liel Abada and Daizen Maeda.
As long as success continues on the park, I don’t think the fans, or the players, will be bothered too much about the managerial style of whoever is in charge. It hasn’t been an issue so far.
In other news, “There’s so much more to him”: Callum McGregor’s intriguing insight on Celtic boss
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