Ange Postecoglou: Consistency, Except On Set Pieces
Ange Postecoglou has been a revelation for Celtic, bringing a vibrant and attacking style of play to the club. He has won over the fans with his commitment to youth, his passion for the game, and his ability to get the best out of his players. However, one area that continues to be a source of frustration for Celtic fans is their set-piece defending.
A Consistent Threat
Across the board, Postecoglou has brought an unprecedented level of consistency to Celtic. He has consistently delivered high-quality performances, especially in attack. The team plays with a fluidity and a swagger that has been missing for years, and they have consistently scored goals at an impressive rate.
Celtic's dominance in the league is a testament to the consistency of Postecoglou's system. They've managed to consistently beat opponents with their pressing game and their relentless attacking approach. The team's attacking football has been a joy to watch, with players like Kyogo Furuhashi and Jota showcasing their talents week after week.
The Achilles Heel
Despite this consistency, Postecoglou's Celtic has one major weakness: their set-piece defending. They have consistently struggled to defend corners and free kicks, often conceding goals from these situations.
This weakness has been a constant source of frustration for Celtic fans. It's a problem that has persisted throughout Postecoglou's tenure and has cost them points on numerous occasions.
Reasons for the Struggles
The reasons for Celtic's struggles on set pieces are complex and multi-faceted. Some factors include:
- Lack of Aerial Presence: Celtic lacks a true dominant aerial threat in the box, allowing opponents to win headers with ease.
- Poor Marking: Confusion in marking assignments has allowed opposing attackers to find space and head the ball into the net.
- Lack of Organization: Communication and organization in the box are essential for good set-piece defending. Celtic seems to struggle with both.
- Lack of Mental Toughness: Celtic players often seem to lose focus and concentration during set pieces, leading to lapses in concentration and costly mistakes.
The Road to Improvement
To improve their set-piece defending, Celtic needs to address these issues. This might include:
- Investing in an Aerial Threat: Finding a player who can dominate the air in the box is crucial.
- Refining Marking Strategies: Implementing clear and consistent marking assignments will improve organization.
- Improving Communication: Encouraging communication and clear instructions among players can improve organization and focus.
- Working on Mental Strength: Training sessions focused on improving mental focus and concentration during set pieces can help.
Looking Ahead
While Postecoglou has brought a lot of success to Celtic, the set-piece issue remains a major concern. If they want to reach their full potential, they must find a way to fix this weakness.
The ability to defend set pieces effectively is a crucial aspect of any successful team, and Postecoglou and his team will need to find a solution to this problem if they want to continue to challenge for trophies.
