Why Ange Postecoglou’s Tenure Leaves Brendan Rodgers With The Perfect Tools To Have Success In His Second Stint At Celtic – Tactical Analysis

Brendan Rodgers has officially been appointed as Celtic manager after parting ways with Leicester City back in April.

Following a successful three years with the Scottish giants, Rodgers reunites with them, having won seven trophies and back-to-back domestic trebles.

Replacing Ange Postecoglou will be no easy task, he leaves Celtic after winning his own domestic treble and becoming a fan favourite as he ventures the opposite way to the Premier League to manage London club Tottenham Hotspur. 

Rodgers is known for his dedication to a possession-oriented style of football that allows for fluid movement on the field.

However, throughout his career, he has also shown a willingness to adapt to the needs and abilities of his players.

This tactical analysis will analyse the fundamental principles and tactics Rodgers has used in previous years, and how that may be implemented in his second tenure in the Scottish Premiership.

The analysis will look at the team Postecoglou has left behind and how Rodgers may use his squad to fulfil his demands.

What Ange left behind

Celtic enjoyed a fantastic past two seasons under Postecoglou.

They reclaimed the league title from Rangers in 2022 and then last season secured a record eighth domestic treble for the club.

Rodgers’ team looks quite different from the one he left back in 2019, with many new faces and a playing style that differs from the one he employed during his first stint at Celtic Park.

The Scottish giants have made shrewd transfers over the years and the players have really bought into Postecoglou’s playing philosophy which has led them to domestic success.

Joe Hart has been a pivotal figure and has been a key part of Celtic’s playing style.

Surprisingly, following his infamous departure from Manchester City for a lack of ability to use the ball with his feet, he has been a great asset to this Celtic style in building up from the back and organising the defence with his vocal presence.

Undoubtedly he will continue on as Rodgers first choice in goal.

In defence, experienced players like Cameron Carter-Vickers and Carl Starfelt will bring solidity and international experience to form the base in the centre of defence.

Captain Callum McGregor will be key to Rodgers integration back into Celtic as he will likely continue as the heartbeat in midfield.

Reo Hatate, Daizen Maeda and Kyogo Furuhashi have been fantastic signings from Japan, providing great technical ability with real grit and intensity that no doubt Rodgers will be excited to work with.

The Celtic squad has had the growth and stability of Postecoglou’s playing philosophy entrusted to them from the moment the Australian stepped through the doors.

The players responded very well to the high demands of Postecoglou and this speaks to the adaptability and intelligence of the group Rodgers has inherited.

Before looking at how Rodgers may implement his own playing style, it is important to note his ability to adapt to the players at his disposal and no doubt he will take into account the playing style that has led his new team to previous success.

Postecoglou had his team building up from the back with detailed precision of short sharp passes starting with the goalkeeper.

A notable change the previous manager adopted during his time up in Glasgow is inverting his fullbacks into midfield.

This has especially benefitted Greg Taylor who has taken this role with great aplomb and has established himself as the first-choice left-back at the club since.

Moreover, the rotations between midfielders and players in wide areas have also been prevalent, especially during the last season in their treble-winning campaign.

Rodgers will inherit a midfield that is technical and able to retain the ball, but also dynamic with the ability to get around the pitch.

Lastly, Rodg