On the latest Huddle Breakdown podcast (please subscribe), @celtic_martin asked a seemingly flippant question “Statistically, is McGregor better with or without the mask?”. Now, while the wearing of the mask may, in our heads, bestow magical super powers (“What!!!!! It’s Callum McGregor under that mask, I thought it was you, Masked Destroyer?”), the prosaic reality … [continue reading]
Postecoglou
The Second Half Danger Zone
Celtic have the best defensive record in the SPFL both in terms of goals conceded (15 in 26) and in xGA (0.65 per 90m). Despite this Celtic are on track for conceding a goal a game overall (41 in 44) mainly due to early season European profligacy. The Mid Half Blip More specifically, the recent … [continue reading]
Heading for Trouble?
Celtic conceded two goals from set plays against Aberdeen. This triggered the usual dual response from pundits and some supporters alike bemoaning Celtic’s ability to defend crosses and set plays in particular. But, is this fair? Context Firstly, kudos to Aberdeen for two well executed set plays from Ojo. Both were very well delivered. The … [continue reading]
Ready for Take Off
Postecoglou’s start to Celtic management has the classic 3 Act narrative arc, when seen through the prism of xG. If that sentence doesn’t have you reaching for your skinny latte or Almond infused IPA, it’s the best I’ve got. Oi! – Come back! xG Differential This plots a 6-game rolling average of xG Differential (xG … [continue reading]
Japanese Jockey Burns Bright
Celtic got back to winning ways as Postecoglou narrowly avoided the pre-Christmas sack race (according to some!) by triumphing in his first final with the Hoops . A 2-1 win over Hibernian was the definition of hard fought in the end, as Celtic relied upon the Japanese striker Furuhashi to provide two exquisite finishes. Possession … [continue reading]
Managing Risk on the Postecoglou Rollercoaster
Celtic started the latest transfer window with an array of first team players returned to their host clubs, wanting to leave, running down contracts and potentially not required by a new manager. Eight senior pros left. Ten first team squad members have been purchased since. Has an enormous level of change provided Postecoglou with the … [continue reading]
Injury Trends
In July 2019, I wrote about how Rodgers management legacy included an ever-increasing injury rate at Liverpool and the same trend was being seen at Celtic. You can read the rather superb piece here – Exposed: The Rodger’s Injury Legacy. I was obviously going through a tabloid phase. The Rodger’s Reckoning Two years out we … [continue reading]
A Glimpse of Ange Ball
The Midtjylland Champions League tie was our first serious glimpse of Postecoglou’s playing philosophy under the stress of real competition. I believe we got more that we bargained for, and there were a few surprises! Starting Approach As expected, the team set out 4-2-3-1. None of the defenders were those we’d hope to have in … [continue reading]
Ange’s Choice
The Preston North End friendly showcased the paucity of resources Postecoglou has to work with. The line-up was (perhaps) as near as injuries permit, to that to face Midtjylland. The Ghost of Disasters Past In thinking about context for this piece I looked back on the starting XI’s for each of the disasters to befall … [continue reading]
Time for Postecoglou
As I sit here, melting and keeping out the fierce sun, my daughter is watching a Dr Who. This reminds me of one of the long-standing jokes in my old role in IT Programme Management whenever a tricky and time critical (aren’t they all?) project came along. Step 1: Build a Time Machine. I know, … [continue reading]