Celtic midfielder Matt O’Riley has credited Gavin Strachan as one of the minds behind the team’s recent set-piece improvement, sharing it’s something they’ve been working specifically on.
The Bhoys have already scored a number of goals from free-kicks or corners this season, with defenders such as Stephen Welsh, Moritz Jenz and Carl Starfelt finding the back of the net.
Fans have wondered whether or not extra effort is being put into this at Lennoxtown, and it seems that is indeed the case.
O’Riley told Celtic TV when asked if it’s been a focus from the coaching staff: “Yeah, Gavin Strachan specifically. He does quite a lot of work with me and few others on the training ground just to try and tighten up on a few things.
“I think that’s shown this season. I think it’s something that we’re going to try and develop off the back of last season because we’d like to score a few more. We’ve shown that it’s working.”
Strachan took a lot of stick from supporters for his role in the dreadful 2020/21 season, but it’s become apparent he is a valued member of Ange Postecoglou’s staff.
Known for his studious laptop style on the touchline, which became a meme that was even featured in a club Christmas advert, these comments will further ingratiate the coach with fans who are rapidly coming to appreciate his efforts.
It’s nice to hear the players credit individual coaching staff members, especially for unseen work, even if Ange Postecoglou stresses everything is a collective effort.
Earlier this week, I picked out set-pieces as especially useful right now given that Rangers are having difficulties defending them in big matches.
The manager has also spoken about it publicly. So expect to see even more progress on this front in the coming weeks and months.
In other news, Big chance for Celtic after rivals blow it at Easter Road.
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