Postecoglou's Tactics: Not For Turning (Except Set Pieces)
Ange Postecoglou has brought a revolution to Celtic, transforming the team's style of play and bringing back the coveted Scottish Premiership title after a five-year hiatus. His brand of high-pressing, attacking football has captivated fans and sent shivers down the spines of opponents. But while the general approach is firmly established, Postecoglou is not afraid to adapt and refine, particularly when it comes to set pieces.
A Philosophy Built on Attacking Intent
Postecoglou's tactics are characterized by their relentless forward momentum. Celtic dominate possession, play with a high defensive line, and press aggressively to win the ball back high up the pitch. This style relies on quick, fluid movement, intricate passing, and a relentless pursuit of goals. It's a footballing philosophy that's both exhilarating and effective.
The Core Principles:
- High-pressing: Celtic players are instructed to press the opposition as soon as they lose possession, forcing them into mistakes and regaining control of the ball quickly.
- Fluid Movement: Postecoglou encourages players to move freely and dynamically, creating spaces for each other and exploiting any gaps in the opposition's defense.
- Dominating Possession: The emphasis is on keeping the ball and controlling the tempo of the game.
- Attacking Intent: Every Celtic player is encouraged to contribute to the attack, even the defenders.
The Set Piece Exception:
While Postecoglou's philosophy is built on attacking principles, he recognizes the importance of tactical flexibility. One area where this is particularly evident is set pieces. While the open play is based on fluid and dynamic movement, Celtic's set piece routines are often more structured and calculated.
Postecoglou's set pieces are characterized by:
- Precise Execution: Players are drilled rigorously on their specific roles in each routine, ensuring accurate delivery and timing.
- Variations and Deception: Celtic uses a variety of set piece routines, making it difficult for opponents to predict their moves.
- Directness: Celtic often seeks to create immediate scoring opportunities from set pieces, rather than simply focusing on possession.
The Results Speak for Themselves
Postecoglou's approach has been remarkably successful. Celtic has won the Scottish Premiership, the Scottish League Cup, and has reached the UEFA Champions League group stage under his leadership. The team's dynamic and entertaining style of play has captured the imagination of fans, while the results speak volumes about the effectiveness of his tactics.
Adapting to the Challenge:
While Postecoglou's approach has proven effective, he is not afraid to adapt. His willingness to experiment and refine his tactics, particularly in areas like set pieces, is a testament to his desire to constantly improve. This dynamic approach has kept Celtic a step ahead of its rivals, and promises to keep them competitive on both the domestic and European stage for years to come.
Conclusion:
Ange Postecoglou's tactics have made Celtic a formidable force in Scottish football. His high-pressing, attacking style has brought back the club's winning ways, while his willingness to adapt in areas like set pieces demonstrates his tactical intelligence. With Postecoglou at the helm, Celtic is poised for continued success both domestically and internationally.
