Martin O’Neill has discussed the possibility of changing Celtic’s tactical approach next season.
Parachuted in at two moments of crisis last season, there was little in the way of time or leeway for the Irishman to work on tactical ideas.
Now that he and his coaching staff are back for pre-season, things are different. We have over a month until Celtic’s first competitive game.
It was plain to see that Celtic’s system was far from perfect last season — so what will O’Neill’s team look like with a blank canvas?
🤔 What changes do you want to see made to Celtic’s football this season?
Martin O'Neill has some plans…
Martin O’Neill’s new Celtic approach: possession with a purpose
O’Neill told Celtic TV: “What I’d like to try and do this season is…
“I’ve said to you about managing in a different fashion to the way I used to do years ago — I think I can marry them both in many aspects.
READ MORE: Elijah Just joins Henrik Larsson in World Cup history books by matching Celtic record
“By that I mean: have us play in the manner of which — I bet you think ‘he’s just delving into the past here, actually nobody cares’ — but I thought the side 25 years ago played very quickly, played with a dash, with a lot of very fine players.
“I think we can marry them both. I think we can have possession of the ball, obviously, it’s great to keep it. But I’d like us to keep it for a purpose.
“There’s always a purpose for trying to break down defences.
“I say that, Gerry, and I don’t know what I’m talking about, because I’ve seen some of the World Cup teams finding it very difficult to break teams down.
“Like England: having loads and loads of possession, and not being able to do it when they’ve got wonderful footballers at their disposal.
“So maybe we should just cancel all the things that I’ve just said to you! In terms of plans, everyone’s got a plan until somebody hits you in the mouth. The great Mike Tyson said that.
“But pre-season gives you all these thoughts of: ‘Yeah, we can change little things here and there’, which I think we probably can do, and I think the players can take to it.
“But the best way to do it, the best way to make these little subtle changes — I’m hoping they’re a bit subtle — is through pre-season.
“It’s working with the players every single day. And even though we had a rush of games last season, like four games in eight or nine days, and you think ‘gosh almighty’.
“You never get a chance to do any of that. Pre-season will give you that.”
Receive a digest of our best Celtic content each week direct to your mailbox
