Following an awkward return to Celtic Park, football fans, especially those who like to punt on Scottish football, are interested to see how Celtic F.C. will transform under Brendan Rodgers. Rodgers was appointed manager in April to replace Ange Postecoglou, who is set to join Tottenham on July 1.
Recently, Rodgers was officially announced as Celtic manager, and this is his second spell with the club. This article analyses how Rodgers’ style of play could fit in the current Celtic squad, their Champions League situation, and how they could line up next season.
Possible Tactics and Strategies Rodgers Could Employ at Celtic Park
Although Rodgers has managed the Hoops in the past, replacing Postecoglou won’t be a walk in the park. Postecoglou has had a successful run with Celtic, having reclaimed the league title from their Old Firm rivals, Rangers, in 2022. He went ahead to win a record eight domestic treble for Celtic, becoming the favourite to lead Spurs in the upcoming Premier League campaign.
In an interview, Rodgers seemed excited about his role and is keen to build on the “great foundation” left by Postecoglou. With Ange signing Kyogo Furuhashi, Daizen Maeda, and Reo Hatate, Rodgers is spoiled for choice, and here is how he could keep the fire burning at Celtic Park.
At Leicester, Rodgers would have a vertical and dynamic fullback and would push them high and wide. He likes a team that can dominate possession, so he will rely on Joe Hart and four defenders to build the play from the back.
Carl Starfelt and Cameron Carter-Vickers could help Rodgers solidify his centre of defence, while Callum McGregor could continue to control the play from the midfield. This could help the team circulate the ball across the back as they try to find a free man in the midfield.
At the base of the midfield, Rodgers could use two players to help build up the play. But first, he needs to have the safety and security if he intends to build up the ball in dangerous areas. As such, he could bring in Tylor to sit alongside McGregor to help the squad during the build-up phase.
Based on his style of play at Leicester, Rodgers would want his forwards to break into the opposition’s defences by making penetrative runs. This is how Jamie Vardy would do under Rodgers.
At Celtic, Kyogo is the man built for exactly that. He is capable of positioning himself off the shoulder of opposition centre-backs. Besides, just like Jamie Vardy, Kyogo is a great finisher and has the ability to continuously make runs in the opposition’s behinds.
What About Celtic’s Champions League Situation?
Domestic dominance has become a norm at Celtic Park. Postecoglou couldn’t make waves with Celtic in Europe. Moreover, Rodgers managed the club for two-and-half seasons but was left frustrated since Celtic couldn’t challenge the Champions League under him.
Apparently, success in Europe next season is on Rodgers’ checklist. He expects a significant budget to overhaul the squad to compete in the Champions League next season, where he will automatically go to the group stage.
How Celtic Could Line Up Next Season
Although key players like Kyogo and Reo Hatate are rumoured to join Ange down south this summer, Rodgers will still inherit a quality squad. After all, he will be granted a significant budget to replace these players if they decide to leave.
Rodgers could look towards signing Jamie Vardy, who might leave Leicester next season following the club’s relegation from the Premier League. Moreover, Patson Daka and Kelechi Iheanacho are also likely to leave Leicester and are within Celtic’s price range.
Rodgers could use the 4-2-3-1 formation, and here is how the Hoops could line up under him next season:
- Goalkeeper: Joe Hart
- Defenders: Jonny Evans, Alistair Johnston, Cameron Carter-Vickers, and Greg Taylor
- Midfield: Odin Thiago Holm, Callum McGregor
- Front three: Jota, Patrick Roberts, Matt O’Riley
- Striker: Jamie Vardy
Final Thought
It tells a lot when fans address you directly for betraying your boyhood club in the middle of the season for the Premier League: “You traded immortality for mediocrity. Never a Celt. Always a fraud”.
Nevertheless, this is a “been there, done that” situation for Rodgers. Out of 169 games as Celtic’s manager, the 50-year-old has won 118 matches, drawn 25, and lost 26, which is a win rate of 70%, helping him claim 7 trophies. Besides, he has the tools as well as capabilities to lead the Hoops.
Founder and Editor-in-Chief at The Real EFL, Gary is a passionate Lincoln City fan with extensive content creation across the Championship and EFL. He also shares expert football betting tips.
