Wednesday against Nomme Kalju may have been a glimpse into the way Lennon’s Celtic will play. Following the Rodgers 4-2-3-1 template to see out last season, we saw 4-4-2 and 4-4-1-1 in preseason. In reality, a lack of striking options has stymied any thoughts of two up front. But against the Estonians, both Edouard and … [continue reading]
Manager Performance
Transfer Window Checkpoint
As a consistent critic of Celtic’s squad management over the last number of seasons, I wanted to take a check point on where we are now the 4th Summer signing, Abd Elhamed, is in the door. Operating Environment Firstly, Celtic operate in a unique place where they are a relatively affluent club from a non-Top … [continue reading]
Sarajevo Satisfaction
Moments of quality ultimately saw Celtic home and (not very) dry after a sticky tie in Sarajevo. The potential for disaster here was significant: Poor weather (heavy rain) A badly cut up pitch An opponent drilled in 4-5-1 medium block defensiveness And possessing set play competency Going a goal down Usual preseason injuries Usual preseason … [continue reading]
History On Lennon’s Side
We are in the Second Golden Era of Celtic European history. The late 1970’s, 1980’and 1990’s were, for the most part, desperate for the Hoops. But Group Stage football has become the norm. The 2019/20 European adventure starts tonight for Celtic. And in Lennon, they have a manager with a history of Champions League Qualification. … [continue reading]
Exposed – The Rodger’s Injury Legacy
Yesterday I highlighted the chronic cumulative impact of injury on this Celtic squad – Celtic Count the Cost of Success. I outlined some of the possible reasons for that. One which I did not highlight because I had no knowledge to back it up, is the impact of the levels and intensity of training under … [continue reading]
Austerity? Or More Of The Same?
Will Lennon get transfer funds to strengthen the squad? I take a look at managerial trading since the end of the O’Neill era. I pick this benchmark as it saw the end of the strategy of a stellar first XI and then kids / cheap squad players to a more nuanced model of Moneyball trading, … [continue reading]
Eight In A Row: League Goals Compared
How do the eight in a row champions compare season by season as far as goals for and against are concerned? This season’s tally of 77 saw the second lowest of the last eight years. And the lowest was last season. Which followed the highest, 106, all under Rodger’s watch (mainly). Rodger’s managed Celtic for … [continue reading]
Eight In A Row: League Points Compared
The 2018/19 data is in the can. Let’s take a look at Celtic’s 8 in a row as far as league points history is concerned. Points Per Title The highest points achieved during 8 in a row was 106 in 2016/17, the Invincible season. Lennon’s side racked up 99 in 2013/14, the only other season … [continue reading]
Cross Yourself And Hope For The Best
The one tactical nuance introduced by Lennon has been a greater emphasis on crossing balls from the flanks into the box. On average, Celtic attempted 15.8 crosses per match under Rodgers and this is now 24 under Lennon. Lennon has seemed visibly frustrated at some of the build up play from Celtic. Under Rodgers they … [continue reading]
Has Lennon Changed Celtic’s Style Of Play?
After struggling to break down Dundee, Lennon spoke about changing Celtic’s “slow and pedestrian” style of play. When he returned as manager, he initially spoke of changing little. So, four games in, what has been the impact of Lennon on Celtic’s style of play? Lennon has had three tough away games as well as a … [continue reading]