Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers deserves immense credit for the way his side set up against RB Leipzig during their 3-1 victory over the Bundesliga outfit on Champions League duty during the week.
Despite the Bhoys putting on a pragmatic showing against Atalanta to claim a 0-0 draw last month, the Irishman’s side took a bolder step at Parkhead against the Bundesliga’s second-placed side on Tuesday.
In the end, Celtic ran out 3-1 winners at home to Leipzig in a match where they had style and substance in equal measure, keeping themselves in contention to book a Champions League knockout playoff round slot at the least.
Post-match, Brendan Rodgers lauded Celtic’s defensive work against Marco Rose’s men, citing the importance of keeping the opposition out at key moments as a crucial factor in their ability to achieve consistent results.
He stated: “To think this is a team that’s only conceded what five goals all season, so for us to score three again tonight, really shows the level we are at. So, absolutely brilliant performance. A great evening for Celtic supporters, and pretty sure that they’ve enjoyed that..”
With both parts of their game blending together to offer an outstanding end product, John Hartson has offered his verdict on why the Bhoys continue to thrive under the Irishman on the big stage.
John Hartson compares Brendan Rodgers to Ange Postecoglou
Speaking to Off The Ball, Hartson has likened Rodgers to Ange Postecoglou amid his unwavering belief in his tactical framework and believes he will continue to adopt this approach no matter the opposition to come in the competition.
He stated: “I think Brendan is very much like Ange. Ange was very similar; he won’t change, he’s very stubborn and thorough and he believes firmly in the way he plays. He’s had success playing that way before; it’s a back four, it’s three in front, and then it’s three up top.
“He likes to have that more sitting player, the likes of maybe an Engels. Then you have McGregor and Hatate in the middle of the field or Bernardo. The front three very rarely changes: Maeda, Kuhn and, obviously, Kyogo.
“I think Brendan will continue to be positive; he’ll continue to try and press high like they did last night and get on the front foot fast, close together, hunt in packs and not as individuals.
“You could see last night when Celtic are high up the pitch, and they’re putting the opposition under pressure; they look an extremely good side.”
Celtic’s momentum suggests nothing needs to change
Ultimately, momentum and belief in what you are doing is a priceless commodity in football, so there isn’t any real need for Celtic to change their approach in future Champions League encounters.
Yes, the Bhoys did need to hold Leipzig at bay during periods on Tuesday, but apart from the instance when they scored and a couple of other chances, the Bundesliga high-flyers struggled to claim a major foothold in the game.
Riding your luck in the Champions League comes with the territory. Celtic also scored three goals in key moments, rendering their opposition unable to respond.
Supporters were delighted with what they saw against a side full to the brim with talent. Now, reaching the league phase finish line will be the Bhoys’ next objective.
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