Celtic have become a different proposition under Brendan Rodgers this term as they chase a domestic double.
The Bhoys have adopted a more possession-based approach to matches at times in order to open up space as opposed to Ange Postecoglou’s high-intensity brand of football in 2022/23.
Over the last couple of weeks, Rodgers has changed his formation slightly to try and increase productivity in the forward areas, pairing loanee Adam Idah and Kyogo Furuhashi as a two-man strikeforce.
Frankly, this modification to the Hoops’ starting line-up has yielded a varying degree of success, with moments in victories away from home against Hibernian and St Mirren illustrating the advantages it can provide.
Nevertheless, the Scottish Premiership champions looked flat-footed at home to Kilmarnock last weekend, which has made some believe Rodgers should revert back to a familiar shape.
In general, there has been a feeling during recent matches that tweaks to our strategy have slowed offensive momentum, which has to change when we make the trip to face Motherwell tomorrow at Fir Park.
Brendan Rodgers opens up on Celtic’s current style of play
Despite some perceiving the situation in an alternative fashion, Celtic manager Rodgers has claimed that his side’s system hasn’t changed ‘one iota’ while indicating the absence of key players is a contributing factor to the recent decline in performance levels.
Rodgers explained [Cited via The Daily Record]: “I’ve heard the bits and pieces around about slower build-up. But that’s not the instruction. The instruction is to get through the pitch with speed quickly.
“There is absolutely nothing asked of the players any different to what they have done before. I’ve heard how the style has changed and how the system has changed. But the system hasn’t changed one iota. Not one. The full-backs you see here are still coming inside. The wingers still go on the outside.
“Runs, when they happen, on the inside. That’s always the challenge when you come into a winning team and I am obviously conscious of that. But also knowing that the philosophy isn’t too dissimilar to how I’ve worked before. Whether that’s 3-4-3 or adjusting it.
“So the system hasn’t changed, the style hasn’t asked to be changed – because my teams are fast and dynamic – but what we most definitely have missed are the players who bring that element to the game.”
Celtic haven’t been free-flowing often enough this season
Intriguingly, Rodgers has made some bold claims surrounding the Bhoys’ style of play; however, on the eye, there is a very clear distinction between what fast, dynamic football looks like and what we’ve seen since our return from the winter break.
Celtic have only scored three times from open play in their last four league matches, which is a direct consequence of not creating enough opportunities over the span of 90 minutes.
Nevertheless, this can all change away to Motherwell at Fir Park, where an improved display is needed to secure a vital three points in the context of the title race.
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