ANGE POSTECOGLOU has a very specific way he wants his team to play, we’ve seen how devastating it can be when it works.
However, when it doesn’t, it can give way to some poor results.
Brendan Rodgers was a man who enjoyed incredible success at Celtic, but when it came to Europe, the manager couldn’t find a way to make it work.
Rodgers and Postecoglou are not pragmatic when it comes to their philosophy. They want their teams to play the same way regardless if it’s Livingston or Liverpool. It’s commendable, but sometimes going toe to toe with a team who have the talent to pick you apart in an instant can make for some tough nights.
Celtic were under so much pressure against Alkmaar away from home but did manage to see the game out to go through to the Europa League – grit and determination won the day by default because Celtic weren’t allowed to execute their game plan.
There’s no doubt Celtic’s approach can also offer the chance of some fantastic results. Rodgers famously beating Anderlecht away from home with free-flowing football.
It’s a balancing act, but in these early stages of Ange ball, I feel there are some tough lessons to come on the European stage. Hopefully, the team will learn as they go and pick up some points along the way.
