Brendan Rodgers’ Tactical Shift: An Analysis of Celtic’s European Approach

Tom English, BBC Scotland’s chief sportswriter, addressed inquiries regarding Celtic. A question from Ian referenced criticism of Celtic’s display against Borussia Dortmund and inquired whether Brendan Rodgers had subsequently developed greater tactical acumen when confronting stronger opponents. English responded by stating his belief that a change had occurred, hopefully for the better, noting that Rodgers had previously declared he “wouldn’t change, he wouldn’t compromise in Europe after the Dortmund game,” yet he has. English observed that Rodgers “has brought in an element of pragmatism, an element of caution.” This approach was evident in Bergamo during the match against Atalanta, which resulted in a 0-0 draw. Celtic’s strategy in that game was distinctly altered, involving “less risk taken” and “fewer gambles on the ball.” They “closed down the space very, very well,” and while they “still rode their luck,” English felt “they deserved it,” securing “a great point.” He concluded that “there was a much better balance in their game in Bergamo.” English expressed keen interest in Celtic’s subsequent performance against Leipzig, described as “a fine team, second best team in Germany.” He pondered whether they could maintain “that ability to stay in a fight? That pragmatism? Could they add a few layers on to it and take the fight to Leipzig?” He affirmed that “They did all of that and more.” English characterized their display against Leipzig as having “blew me away,” considering it “a magnificent performance, best Celtic performance I’ve seen in at least five years in any competition,” suggesting that “maybe they’ve turned a corner here.” He noted Celtic’s current “great position in the Champions League now, this massive new group that we have, and they’re motoring,” having delivered “two really excellent, very different performances.”