Why Postecoglou’s Style Is So Effective (Except For Set Pieces)
Ange Postecoglou's arrival at Celtic was met with a mixture of excitement and skepticism. Could a manager known for his attacking, high-pressing style succeed in the often-rigid and conservative Scottish Premiership? The answer, so far, has been a resounding yes.
Postecoglou's style has been a breath of fresh air in Scottish football, bringing with it a new level of intensity, dynamism, and attacking intent. But while his tactics have proven successful in most facets of the game, one area remains a persistent thorn in his side: set pieces.
The Positives: A High-Pressing, Attacking Masterclass
Postecoglou's system is based on a relentless pressing game, forcing opponents into mistakes and creating turnovers high up the pitch. This aggressive approach has been a major factor in Celtic's success, allowing them to dominate possession and create numerous scoring opportunities.
The key to Postecoglou's style is the fluidity of movement, with players constantly shifting positions and making overlapping runs. This makes it difficult for opposition defenses to track players and creates space for attackers to exploit.
Celtic's attacking prowess under Postecoglou is undeniable, with the team consistently scoring goals in bunches. The manager's philosophy of "attacking with purpose and conviction" has resonated with the players, who have embraced his high-risk, high-reward approach.
The Achilles' Heel: Struggles From Set Pieces
Despite the overwhelming success of Postecoglou's style, Celtic's struggles from set pieces have become a recurring theme. They lack the height and aerial prowess to consistently win headers in the box, and their defensive organization can be exposed when facing opponents with a strong aerial threat.
The lack of set-piece specialists has also been a contributing factor. While individual players can make a difference, the team as a whole needs to improve in this area.
The contrast between Postecoglou's attacking brilliance and his defensive shortcomings from set pieces is striking. It's a curious paradox that has become the primary area for improvement for Celtic's manager.
The Road Ahead: Addressing Set Piece Deficiencies
Postecoglou is aware of Celtic's set piece issues and is actively seeking solutions. He has been experimenting with different formations and player combinations, and he is also working on improving the team's aerial ability through training.
The manager's dedication to addressing these weaknesses is commendable. He is committed to building a complete team, capable of dominating both offensively and defensively.
While Postecoglou's style has already revolutionized Celtic's approach to the game, a significant improvement in set pieces is necessary for the team to reach its full potential. This is the next step in Postecoglou's journey with Celtic, and it will be interesting to see how he tackles this particular challenge.
In conclusion, Postecoglou's attacking, high-pressing style has been a major success for Celtic, but the team's struggles from set pieces remain a significant concern. With time, dedication, and the right personnel, Postecoglou can address this weakness and build a truly dominant team capable of achieving even greater heights.
